Word for Friday February 18. “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would have his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” Mark 8:34-36. St. John Vianney said, “You must accept your cross.  If you bear it courageously it will carry you to heaven.” Let us pray, Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that to act against our selfish inclinations and pious camouflage, to reach out spontaneously with practical assistance to the other who may not have anything to wear or food for the day means taking up one’s cross. That it is Your way to stand by someone in need or in disgrace. Amen.

“Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry