If I Had a Cross
“Then he said to them all, ‘ If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ’” —Luke 9:23 A couple of weeks ago, during staff devotion, we were reflecting on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ weeks leading up to Good Friday. As we pointed out his sense of urgency to convey his message, and his determination to reach Jerusalem, Rev. Erma Pregler made a comment that has followed me throughout my Lenten journey. “I wonder,” she said, “how my life would be different if I had a cross in my future.” As the words left her lips, a thousand possibilities entered my head. Would I be more like Christ? Would I elevate people over tasks? Would I listen more intently, or express God’s love more overtly? How would my life be different if I had a cross in my future. This, I believe, is one of the primary purposes of Lent. Not only to reflect on the Cross of Christ, but also to reflect on the Cross that Christ bids us bear. Because, for thos