Homily for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

Being true to Jesus' teachings and the values that shaped His life and ministry often requires us to go against conventional expectations. We must forsake our own desires to prioritize the Lord in our lives. This may seem like a loss to others and sometimes even to ourselves. To remain faithful to the Lord's path, we frequently need to say "no" to what many say "yes" to.

Following the Lord's teachings can be difficult; it often means taking the Way of the Cross. However, Jesus promises that those who lose their lives for His sake and for the sake of the Gospel will ultimately save their lives and experience a more profound sense of being alive. What may initially seem like a loss will ultimately be a gain. 

Jesus acknowledges the temptation to feel ashamed of Him and His teachings and the urge to keep our faith concealed to fit in. However, when we are willing to live our faith openly, even when pressured to do otherwise, we will ultimately experience the fullness of life that the Lord desires for each of us.