Can We Deny ourselves and Follow Him?

Fr. Simon reflects on today’s gospel where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. We naturally avoid suffering, yet our crosses—illness, ageing, financial struggles or relationship difficulties—can become opportunities for deeper faith. Rather than only asking God to remove our burdens, we can ask for grace, strength and a changed mindset to embrace them faithfully. Following Christ requires a change in mindset: surrendering our own desires, trusting God’s purpose, and responding to difficulties with faith, sacrifice and love.Sunday Homily by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (30 August 2026)