Take up his cross daily and follow me.” Lent has begun, and we already get a hint of the cross that awaits us on Good Friday. While some may see the cross as a sign of defeat, faithful Christians see the cross as a sign of Jesus’ love for us. Jesus came to bring justice, peace, and love. His mission ultimately led him to the cross, from where His faithful love brought us life. Jesus did not seek to be glorified: he chose to come without glory to undergo suffering, and you, who have been born without glory, do you wish to be glorified? The route you must take is the one Jesus took. That means recognizing and imitating Him both in His humiliation and good name; in this way, you will glory in the cross, which was his path to glory. That was what St. Paul did, and therefore, he was able to rejoice in saying, “Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Lent is an excellent time to reflect on our daily life in the light of today’s reading. This will hopefully lead to a determination to rejoice as St. Paul did by taking up your cross each day. Make this Lent your 40-day walk with Jesus!