Salvador Pérez Alayón (@Salvadorpa77)

Do we believe that the path of our cross can also be the path that leads us to find true life, to full and eternal happiness? Sunday, August 30, 2026 A CROSS THAT LEADS TO LIFE Mt 16:21-27 It is inevitable to reject the cross. No one in their right mind remains unmoved by the suffering of those we love; we want to avoid it at all costs. On the other hand, if someone asks you, “Do you want to lose your life?” the logical answer would be, “No, I don't want to lose my life.” Even in Deuteronomy, God proposes that we choose between two paths: “life and good, or death and evil.” It's clear: from a sensible perspective, we would all choose life, to preserve it, to not lose it. Manuel remained silent for a moment. He looked at the group and asked, “Does anyone have anything to say?” Without thinking, Peter raised his hand and added: “We all want to gain life, but I just don’t understand losing it. I think if we have a choice, we all want the former.” No one said anything. Manuel, looking at him tenderly, opened the Bible and read: “Gospel according to Matthew 16:21-27: 'At that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.’” He paused and continued: “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him: ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’ Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are setting your mind on human things, not on divine things.’” Everyone remained silent. Then Manuel calmly continued: “Then he said to his disciples, 'If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’” And, gently raising his voice, he added: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” He took a step forward and, with a serene expression, concluded: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will repay each person according to what they have done.” Manuel slowly closed the Bible. “It’s not about seeking suffering or wanting to carry a cross that isn’t ours to bear. It’s about taking up our cross by following Jesus. He gave his life out of love, making his cross the path to liberation and life for the world.” Peter remained thoughtful. Manuel looked at him and added: “Perhaps losing one’s life for Jesus doesn’t mean ceasing to live, but rather learning to live differently: leaving behind selfishness, fear, comfort, and everything that prevents us from loving. Peter, and all of us, are invited to take up our cross in this process of identifying with the life and cause of Jesus.” There was another brief silence. “Perhaps the question isn’t whether we want to lose our lives,” Manuel concluded, “but for whom and for what we are willing to give them.” The Christian cross doesn’t consist of seeking suffering but of loving when loving is difficult. https://deahaba.blogspot.com/2026/08/una-cruz-que-lleva-la-vida.html