Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples,
"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

Reflection

The most radical thing that has happened in the New Testament is the establishment of an entirely new kingdom, the Kingdom of God. In that Kingdom, we are drawn into a way of being where we are more dependent upon God helping us, healing us, working with us than anything we can do or say. And that Kingdom is now. It's about belief, about trust, about life.

Closing Prayer

Father, make us conscious of the Kingdom of God. Help us to see and feel this new world that you have created through your death and resurrection. Fill us with hope. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.