Is there a deep suffering in your life right now? How can it be used to love Jesus more?
In this episode of Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon gets real about what it truly means to follow Jesus, especially when life gets tough. Here’s a summary of his profound insights:
🔹 Scripture Reflection: Jesus invites us in Matthew 16:24 to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This isn’t just poetic fluff—it’s a genuine call to live our faith, even when it’s hard.
🔹 Ultimate Decision: Have you ever wondered; would you still follow Jesus if there was nothing in it for you? No rewards, no heaven, just Jesus? It’s a challenging question that cuts to the heart of our faith.
🔹 Historical Context: Father shares a powerful moment from the Gospel of John. When many followers left Jesus after He gave the Bread of Life discourse, He asked His disciples if they would leave too. Peter’s reply, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of everlasting life,” shows a deep, personal love for Jesus, not just His miracles.
🔹 Judas’ Betrayal: Maybe Judas betrayed Jesus because he saw the looming crucifixion and wanted out. It’s a stark reminder of how easy it can be to falter in our faith.
🔹 Personal Examination: Do I follow Jesus for what He can give me, or for who He is? It’s a call to look inward and examine our true motivations.
🔹 Different Types of Love: Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him with agape love (sacrificial love). Peter, aware of his limitations, responded with saying that he had brotherly love. This exchange is so human and relatable—it’s about growing from our natural affections to a deeper, divine love. Jesus knew that one day Peter would be called to give his life for Christ in an act of martyrdom.
🔹 Suffering and Powerlessness: The cross isn’t just about suffering—it’s about absolute powerlessness. Father shares a touching personal story about saying Mass in a sweltering church and realizing how Jesus, the all-powerful, chose to be powerless on the cross out of love for us.
🔹 Faith as Trust: He reminds us that faith is all about trust. When we face trials and God seems silent, it’s our chance to deepen our trust in Him.
🔹 The True Reward: The real reward of following Jesus isn’t a mansion in heaven—it’s an eternal, loving relationship with Christ. It’s about knowing and loving Him deeply.
✨ Takeaway: Embrace the cross in your life, as a testament to trusting God completely. The ultimate joy lies in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, beyond all earthly rewards.
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