Saying "YES" to Discipleship!

Jesus tells us in the gospels that if we want to be his disciples, we need to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow him. Following our Lord is saying "YES" to his call and the call to live discipleship. Being disciples of the Lord is a way of life and it calls for faith, trust, commitment, and dedication. The first reading from Mass today is from the Acts of the Apostles, 7:51-8:1a. This passage is about the stoning of Saint Stephen. There is a wonderful commentary that speaks to what the Easter season is about, the life of St. Stephen, and what it means to be a disciple. "Lest the Easter season, with its emphasis on life, tempt us to euphoria, the Church today sets before us the example of Stephen, first of martyrs, icon of the Crucified. The tomb remains the prelude to the glory until the end of time. Life in Christ is always costly, and always worth the cost" (Magnificat, 247). That concluding line really stood out for me, "Life in Christ is always costly, and always worth the cost." We never know what crosses we will carry in our lives but we have the assurance that the Lord is always with us. He will give us the grace and strength that we need to persevere! Do not be afraid to follow Christ! Do not be afraid to say "YES" to being his disciple!!! Following Christ is costly, but always worth the cost! God Bless You!!!