A Moment To Pause: Saturday 17th January 2026

Today we join Joseph O’Connell for our A Moment To Pause Podcast during Ordinary Time.   In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to our reflection this morning. It's taken from the gospel of Mark 8: 34 to 37. Jesus speaks words that can sound harsh and demanding. “Deny yourselves, take up your cross and follow me.” But these words are not a call to be in misery or self-hatred. They're an invitation to understand life as Jesus understands it. Jesus is teaching us how to interpret his message correctly. To lose our life for his name's sake does not mean giving up what makes us human, but letting go of whatever prevents us from being fully loving and kind. Pride and fear, selfishness and the need to control everything ourselves, are the things stop us following Jesus. The cross Jesus asks us to carry is not something we choose, but the daily challenges we face with faith and love. Jesus invites us to look beyond success, status, and possessions, and to measure life by what truly lasts. When we listen carefully to his words and interpret them through the lens of love, we discover that following Jesus does not take life away from us. It leads us to life in its fullest meaning. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us follow you carefully and lovingly, Lord. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.   #DailyBiblePodcast #DailyScriptureReadings #Bibleinaminute