When faced with difficulties in life, such as an experience or a difficulty, we usually want to put a quick end to it while hoping that our desired conclusion would be in our favor. But Jesus has not instructed us to do that. 

Jesus outlined the sole means of atonement in today's gospel: bearing our own crosses. Jesus, the Son of God, accepts His fate humbly; He must travel to Jerusalem and endure immense suffering at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes. He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He does not deserve to endure those sufferings, yet He does so out of His Own Will. Yet why? since there is no other path to real redemption than that. But why do we also have to go through such a grueling process that is terrible and agonizing? Jesus wants us to understand that we are only human, and that we must never forget that we are incapable to do things without the mercy of God. We always look for what is more convenient for us and what seems to be soothing, just like the chief priests, elders, and scribes did, failing to recognize that there is nothing but self-gratification, which causes us to forget the path that Jesus has provided for us.

Remember that there are no quick cuts to salvation; each of us must bear our own cross and pray for the courage and confidence to do so. Since it was God who led the path, people who honestly repent and admit their own sins will always benefit from His mercy. 

Amen.

Arvin Valencia | OLA Social Communications