it's not what you thought
when you first began it The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark ! Well, we’ve got another problem on this second week of Lent; or maybe to be more accurate, I should say I’ve got a problem… My problem, as it turns out, is today’s Gospel. Because here’s the thing; I love you all, I know how hard following is, I know how busy you all are, and I know how you really do try to be faithful. And while I’d prefer to come up here and say something anodyne like “I know you’re doing your best,” or “ you deserve a break;” today’s Gospel won’t allow me to do that kind of thing. Sorry... Jesus and his Word stands firm: Pick up your cross. Deny yourself. Don’t try to save your life, lose it. Follow me… … And I thought I was giving up a lot when I dropped meat from my menu for Lent … So, I’ve got a problem; although I love you, and although I know you’re doing your best; I can’t give you any wiggle room, I can’t let you off the hook of Jesus’ hard Word today… Sorry....