"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'" - Matthew 16:24

I think this is a really great verse to reflect upon during holy week, when we are really attempting to enter into the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This verse says that we must take up our cross if we wish to follow Him. It should be apparent this week more than any other week, that the cross isn't easy. Christ's cross involved Him completely emptying Himself for us. On Calvary's pain, there was real pain and sacrifice and even though it was the most incredible act of love ever to be done, it looked to the observer like a failure. In the same way, we must empty ourselves for Christ. Granted, this does not mean we will literally be crucified in a physical sense, but this does mean that we might be crucified in another sense, crucified to ourselves. And sometimes, this will make us look like a failure in the eyes of the world. But He has already conquered the world. He invites us to respond to His love with love. What sins or failures in your life are you going to allow to be conquered at Calvary this week? 

Have a blessed Holy Week! :)