The Lenten Path

In this Palm Sunday episode of The Lenten Path, Gerald invites us into Holy Week with a powerful reflection on Christ’s humility and the call to imitate His self-emptying love. Drawing from Philippians 2, he reminds us that Jesus, though divine, chose the path of suffering and servitude for our salvation. This same humility is mirrored in the Eucharist, where Christ continues to pour Himself out for us.Gerald also shares moving stories from his time in prison ministry, where volunteers brought the love of Christ to incarcerated men—meeting them with dignity, compassion, and brotherhood. As we approach the Triduum, we are challenged to reflect on Christ’s passion, meditate on His sacrifice, and follow His example of humble service. How is God calling you to empty yourself in love this Holy Week?

In one of our final episodes of The Lenten Path, we reflect on Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross and the powerful exchange of love as Jesus gives His mother to us: “Behold your mother.” As we enter Holy Week, we’re reminded that Mary’s witness is one of courage, faith, and unwavering hope—even in the face of suffering and loss.Through her example, we’re invited to stand firm in our faith and trust in God's plan, no matter how difficult. As we contemplate Christ’s passion, let us also receive anew the gift of Mary’s maternal care, allowing her to guide us more deeply into the mystery of His death and resurrection.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Ryan reflects on one of the hardest yet most powerful Lenten fasts: fasting from revenge. Drawing from Jesus’ words on the cross—“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”—Ryan invites us to consider the ways resentment and anger can close our hearts to God’s mercy.True justice, he reminds us, belongs to God alone. As Holy Week approaches, we are called to release our need for vengeance and open ourselves to the healing power of forgiveness. When we let mercy flow through us, we become instruments of grace—for others and for ourselves.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Mary reflects on one of the most personal and challenging acts of surrender—letting go of the desire to control others. Whether it’s with family, friends, or strangers, we often believe we know what’s best and struggle when people don’t change according to our expectations.Drawing from Romans 14 and the example of Christ, Mary reminds us that God—not us—is the master of every heart. Through prayer, trust, and letting go of outcomes, we’re invited to step back and allow God to do what only He can. This Lent, may we surrender control and grow in love that trusts more than it insists.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Angie reflects on the power of mercy and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice as we approach Holy Week. Inspired by her own children’s reactions to the Living Stations of the Cross, she shares a heartfelt moment that prompts a deeper question: would we have said yes to the cross the way Jesus did?Through personal stories and a moving reflection on the humanity of Jesus—his fear, anxiety, and love—Angie invites us to enter into gratitude. This Lent, we are called not only to recognize our suffering and joy, but to give thanks for the mercy and love of a Savior who gave everything for us.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Mark reflects on the quiet strength of Jesus, who, even in the face of rejection and sacrifice, trusted fully in the presence of God the Father. Drawing from John 8, he invites us to consider how we, too, can find peace in knowing we are never alone—especially when loving others is difficult.Mark challenges us to see love of neighbor not as a lofty ideal, but as a concrete and sometimes uncomfortable calling. From political divisions to personal frustrations, Lent asks us to seek God in the messy, human moments of daily life. When compassion is costly and love feels inconvenient, we’re reminded of Jesus’s promise: “He has not left me alone.”

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Kate invites us into a heartfelt reflection on thanksgiving and the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through the tender memory of accompanying her granddaughter to her first confession, Kate explores the joy and freedom that come from encountering God’s mercy.Drawing inspiration from Psalm 32—"Blessed is the one whose fault is removed, whose sin is forgiven"—Kate reminds us that confession is not about shame, but about returning home. She shares a powerful insight from Fr. Mike Schmitz, who describes the confessional as the most joyful, humbling, and inspiring place in the world—a sacred space where God’s love always wins.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Gerald reflects on the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery and the mercy of Jesus that transforms shame into healing. As we journey through the 5th Sunday of Lent, he explores how Christ’s words—"Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore."—reveal a love that forgives, restores, and invites us into a deeper relationship with God.Drawing from John 8 and the imagery of living water from the Feast of Tabernacles, Gerald connects this encounter to the gift of the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation. Through personal stories, including his experience in prison ministry, he reminds us that no one is beyond redemption, and that God's mercy flows to all who seek it with a sincere heart.

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on Mary’s silent strength and unwavering surrender. This week, we explore her presentation of Jesus in the temple—a moment not marked by words, but by deep, interior sacrifice. Though sinless, Mary submitted to the law of purification, humbly aligning herself with God's will and foreshadowing her greater offering to come.By presenting Jesus, Mary gave her Son not only to God, but to us. Her silent "yes" echoed her fiat from the Annunciation, and in doing so, she joined God the Father in the gift of our salvation. Like Mary, may we have the courage to say “yes” to God’s will, especially in the quiet, hidden moments of faith. What might God be asking you to surrender today?

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on fasting—not just from food, but from ignorance. How well do we truly know Jesus? Today’s Gospel (John 7:28-29) reminds us that while many recognized Jesus, they did not fully know the One who sent Him.Fasting from ignorance means making an intentional effort to grow in faith. Whether through reading Scripture, deepening our prayer life, or exploring Church teachings, learning more about God helps us draw closer to Him. This Lent, let’s commit to filling the empty spaces left by fasting with the knowledge and love of Christ. What steps will you take to know Him more?

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on the struggle of seeking approval. Too often, we measure our worth by how others perceive us, chasing validation and fearing rejection. Yet Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:1 that righteousness is not for show, and in John 5:30, He shows us the freedom of living for God's will rather than human praise.This Lent, we are called to surrender the need for approval and rest in the security of God’s love. By shifting our focus to honoring Him, we can find peace, boldness, and true purpose. What fears or expectations do you need to let go of to live more fully in God’s grace?

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on the boundless mercy of Christ. Through personal stories of struggle and redemption, we are reminded that God’s love is unwavering, not dependent on our successes or failures. Just as a parent’s love endures despite a child’s missteps, so too does God’s mercy remain, embracing us even in our moments of doubt and imperfection.This Lent, we are invited to rest in the assurance that we are His—always and forever. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was His ultimate declaration: You are all that matters. No failure is too great for His love. As we continue our journey, let us trust in His mercy, knowing that He sees us, loves us, and calls us His own. What burdens do you need to surrender to His unfailing love today?

Join us on The Lenten Path as Mark reflects on Jesus’ question in John 5: “Do you want to be well?” At the pool of Bethesda, a man who had been ill for 38 years waited for healing, yet when Jesus approached him, He didn’t offer help into the water—He simply told him to rise and walk. This passage challenges us to examine the ways we seek healing and whether we truly open our hearts to the transformation Christ offers.Like the man at Bethesda, we can grow accustomed to our struggles, even when they weigh us down. Yet Jesus sees us in our waiting, inviting us to step forward in faith. Healing may not always come in the way we expect, but every step toward Christ is a step toward renewal. This Lent, let us bring our wounds to Him, trusting in His power to restore and make us whole.

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on how God is creating something new within us this season. As we pass the halfway mark of Lent, we are invited to pause and evaluate—are we staying intentional in our sacrifices, prayers, and acts of service?Lent is a time of discipline, a call to deepen our commitment to Christ with purpose and perseverance. When distractions arise, we are reminded that every day is a chance to begin again. Let us embrace this sacred journey with renewed dedication, trusting that God is at work within us. How is He transforming you today?

Join us on The Lenten Path as we reflect on our call to be ambassadors for Christ. St. Paul reminds us that, through Christ, we are made new and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. But what does it mean to represent Christ in our daily lives?Drawing from the life of St. John Bosco, we see how love, kindness, and mercy can transform hearts. Whether through acts of service, sharing faith with a stranger, or simply being a light in our communities, we are called to carry Christ’s love wherever we go. This week, how will you be an ambassador for Christ?

Join us on The Lenten Path as we continue our journey of reflection and renewal. This week, we explore Mary’s final recorded words in Scripture: “Do whatever He tells you.” At the wedding in Cana, Mary’s quiet yet powerful intercession sets the stage for Jesus’ first public miracle, reminding us of the depth of her faith and trust in Him.Through her example, we are called to surrender our own will and embrace God’s plan, even when the timing is uncertain. This Lent, let us listen to Mary’s advice, trusting that obedience to Christ leads to transformation. What is He asking of you today?

Join us on The Lenten Path as Ryan reflects on fasting from idolatry and putting God first. Inspired by Mark 12:28-34, he challenges us to examine what holds power over our hearts. Sometimes, the things we rely on—like our phones, habits, or comforts—can quietly take God’s place in our lives.Ryan shares how fasting from his phone revealed a deeper spiritual attachment, reminding us that true trust belongs to God alone. Today’s challenge: reflect on your Lenten fast. What was hard to give up? Has it brought you closer to God? This Lent, let us surrender distractions and seek Him with our whole hearts.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Mary reflects on surrendering worry and trusting in God’s peace. Inspired by Philippians 4:6-7, she reminds us that instead of being consumed by anxiety, we are called to bring everything to God in prayer. Worry drains us, but prayer fills us. True peace doesn’t come from controlling our circumstances but from trusting that God is in control.Mary offers a three-step challenge: identify your worries, turn them into prayer, and replace them with gratitude. By reflecting on God’s past faithfulness, we can strengthen our trust in Him. This Lent, let us surrender our fears and embrace the peace that only Christ can give.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Mark reflects on trusting God through prayer, drawing inspiration from Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel. Faced with uncertainty, Mary surrendered completely, showing us that trust is not about having all the answers but believing in the One who does. Her simple yet profound words—“Let it be done to me according to your word”—invite us to embrace faith even when the path ahead is unclear.Mark shares his personal journey of trust through the foster care and adoption process, an experience that required constant surrender to God’s plan. Just as Mary trusted, we too are called to place our fears and uncertainties in God’s hands. This Lent, let us not only bring our struggles to prayer but truly surrender them, trusting that nothing is impossible for God.(If you want to reach out to Mark with questions about foster care or adoption, you can email him at [email protected].)

oin us on The Lenten Path as Angie reflects on the gift of mercy and the challenge of holding onto hope. Inspired by Romans 5:5-8, she reminds us that “hope does not disappoint” because God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. As the Church prepares those entering the faith through OCIA, Angie emphasizes that baptism is the beginning of transformation for all of us, calling us to live with greater faith and mercy.Too often, we judge quickly and withhold compassion—from strangers, loved ones, or those whose struggles we don’t understand. Yet, if Christ is always ready to love and forgive us, how can we not extend that same mercy? Angie challenges us to let go of judgment, embrace hope, and reflect God’s love in our daily lives.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Kate reflects on Psalm 42: “My soul thirsts for God, the living God.” A simple moment of thirst leads her to contemplate whether we truly yearn for God with the same urgency we seek water. She explores Jesus’ words on the cross—“I thirst”—revealing His deep, personal love for us.Inspired by Saint Mother Teresa’s reflection, Kate challenges us to respond to Christ’s thirst with our own longing for Him. Through prayer and gratitude, she invites us to let God’s living water renew and sustain us this Lent.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Gerald reflects on the steadfast faith of Saint Joseph and his silent yet powerful role in God’s plan. He shares his experience of consecration to Saint Joseph and how this devotion has deepened his understanding of trust and obedience. While Saint Joseph never speaks in Scripture, his actions reveal a profound reliance on God’s providence. Gerald encourages us to follow his example—remaining faithful even in uncertainty and embracing our role as quiet leaders in our own lives.Gerald reflects on Exodus 3:7-8, where God hears the cries of His people and promises to lead them to freedom. Just as Saint Joseph trusted God’s call to protect Jesus and Mary, we too are called to trust in God’s guidance through trials. This passage reminds us that God’s saving work is always present, and through faith, we can find strength in His divine plan.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, we reflect on the moment Mary and Joseph lose the 12-year-old Jesus after Passover. Mary’s anxious search and loving concern remind us that she is not only the Mother of God but also our mother, given to us by Jesus on the cross. She cares deeply for each of us, sharing in our joys and sorrows, no matter how small.Bishop Fulton Sheen suggests that God allowed Mary to experience this loss to prepare her for future suffering. Just as Jesus seemed lost to her for three days, He later experienced the loss of His Father during His Passion. God does not always remove suffering but transforms it, making it meaningful. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we trust in His plan and keep our eyes on the hope of resurrection.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Ryan Berger reflects on fasting as a way to become better stewards of God's gifts. Fasting isn’t just about food—it’s about letting go of waste and excess to refocus on what truly matters. Inspired by Matthew 21:43, we are reminded that the blessings we receive are meant to bear fruit for God and be shared with others.Ryan shares a personal story of giving up video games for Lent, realizing that instead of using them wisely, he had become dependent on them. Through fasting, he learned to put creation in its proper place and rely more on God.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, we reflect on the challenge of surrendering our need for immediate answers. In a world of instant gratification, we often expect God to respond on our timeline, but true faith requires trust over certainty. Inspired by Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow.Mary Beaty invites us to embrace three practical ways to surrender: praying for trust instead of demanding clarity, embracing silence rather than rushing to solutions, and remembering God’s past faithfulness as reassurance that He is still at work. Waiting can be difficult, but it is often in the waiting that God shapes us. This Lent, let’s lean into trust, knowing that His plans are always greater than ours.

Join us for a special bonus episode of The Lenten Path as we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph. Though often a quiet figure in Scripture, Saint Joseph’s unwavering faith, trust, and mercy make him a powerful model for us all. His story reminds us that holiness is not always loud or dramatic but is often found in the unseen moments of sacrifice and love. From his initial decision to quietly divorce Mary to his immediate obedience to God’s call, Saint Joseph embodies a faith that is both courageous and humble. His life challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it takes unexpected turns.As we reflect on his example, we turn to Matthew 1:20-21: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Like Joseph, we are called to trust in God’s plan and embrace the responsibilities He places before us with faith and love. May we learn from his quiet strength and unwavering devotion as we continue our Lenten journey.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Angie reflects on the challenge of embracing mercy and letting go of guilt. She shares a personal story from her Lenten journey, confronting the struggles she faces with guilt and the need for self-forgiveness. While Lent is a time for repentance and reflection, Angie reminds us that there is also joy in the process of freeing ourselves from sin and guilt. She encourages us to experience true freedom, not just from sin, but from the self-condemnation that holds us back from fully embracing God's mercy.Angie reflects on the words of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This verse reminds us that through confession and repentance, God offers us the freedom to forgive ourselves, release our guilt, and embrace His mercy with open hearts.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Mark reflects on the true essence of prayer, inspired by Isaiah 1. While Lent often prompts us to pray more, Mark challenges us to ask what kind of prayer God truly desires. It's not about rituals or performing the right actions, but about transforming our hearts. Prayer should lead to change in our lives and move us toward justice and authenticity, aligning our actions with God's will.Mark draws from Isaiah 1:15-17, which says, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you... Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” This passage reminds us that prayer is not just about words but about living out God's commands, especially in seeking justice and showing mercy to others.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, we reflect on the importance of humility and the danger of judgment. Kate Mimms explores the concept of "fools" in the Bible, contrasting the biblical definition with our modern understanding. A fool, in the biblical sense, is someone who disregards God's word, and the episode challenges us to focus on our own spiritual growth before assessing others. Drawing on teachings from Bishop Ignatius, John the Baptist, and Saint Teresa of Avila, we are reminded that true humility comes from seeking to decrease ourselves and elevate others. The episode closes with a prayer asking for the grace to desire humility and the challenge to pray the litany of humility.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Gerald shares a personal reflection on listening—to God, to our loved ones, and to the wisdom found in Christ’s teachings. As he and his wife approach their 25th wedding anniversary, he acknowledges that a lasting marriage, much like a strong faith, requires humility, commitment, and a deep connection with God.Drawing from Luke 9:35—"This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to Him."—Gerald invites us to consider whether we truly hear Jesus in our daily lives. Do we pause to reflect on His words? Do we allow them to transform us? Just as God called the disciples to listen during the Transfiguration, He calls us today to silence distractions and open our hearts to His guidance.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, we continue our reflection on Mary’s journey with Jesus, focusing on her words in the Visitation. After Elizabeth greets Mary with the words we pray in the Hail Mary, Mary responds with her Magnificat—a hymn of praise that magnifies the greatness of God and His promise of mercy.Mary's Magnificat echoes the Beatitudes, turning worldly expectations upside down: the proud are scattered, the mighty cast down, the lowly lifted up. Just as Jesus was tempted in the desert, we, too, face temptations—desires that, when disordered, lead us away from God. But Mary reminds us: we do not fight this battle alone. God remains faithful to His promises.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Ryan reflects on the spiritual practice of fasting—not just from food, but from excessive anger. When we fast, we let go of something and allow Jesus to fill the emptiness it leaves behind.Drawing from Matthew 5:23-24—"If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar. Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift."—Ryan shares how holding on to anger can harden our hearts and block us from receiving God’s love. He offers a personal story about overcoming resentment and choosing reconciliation instead.

In this episode of The Lenten Path, Mary reflects on the challenge of surrendering our time to God. As a busy working mom of three young children, she wrestles with the idea of giving up something she feels she never has enough of—time. But through prayer, she discovers a deeper invitation: to be present in the moments God has appointed for her.Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1—"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."—Mary shares practical ways to surrender time, from truly listening to a coworker to embracing interruptions with grace. She reminds us that when we allow ourselves to be inconvenienced, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Join us on The Lenten Path as Angie reflects on the challenge of loving as Christ loves. Inspired by her brother-in-law’s ordination as a permanent deacon, she shares a powerful message from his first homily. It is easy to love those who agree with us, but Jesus calls us to something greater—to love the ungrateful, the difficult, and even those who do not love us in return. As Angie explores this call to radical mercy, she invites us to examine our own hearts: Who are we not loving? Who are we not forgiving?During the episode, Angie reflects on Luke 6:32-36:"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them… But rather, love your enemies and do good to them… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:32-36)

Join us for this episode of The Lenten Path as Mark Vallone, Youth Minister at St. Anthony of Padua, reflects on the profound meaning of the words, "Give us this day our daily bread." More than just a request for food, this phrase from the Our Father calls us to trust in God's provision and recognize that all we have—our health, time, and even our very breath—is a gift from Him.Mark invites us to consider the deeper hunger in our hearts. What are we truly longing for this Lent? Whether it’s peace, healing, or a stronger faith, Jesus, the Bread of Life, invites us to bring our needs before God daily. Through a personal story about his daughter, Evelyn, Mark shares how hope can be difficult to hold onto in uncertain times, yet Christ calls us to respond to fear with love.During the podcast Mark focuses on Matthew 6:9-13 "This is how you are to pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."

Join us for this episode of The Lenten Path as Kate Mims, Director of Evangelization at St. Anthony of Padua, leads us in a reflection on gratitude. Lent is a season of sacrifice, renewal, and preparation—but it is also a time to recognize the abundant blessings in our lives, even in the most unexpected moments.Kate shares a personal reflection on how a sudden home flood became an opportunity to rediscover gratitude—not just for the big things, like family and shelter, but for the small, often overlooked gifts of daily life. From pots and pans to the presence of loved ones, she challenges us to open our eyes to the fullness of God's generosity.Kate invites us to reflect on 1st Timothy 4:4-5: “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

Join us as parishioner, Gerald, leads us in reflection on the Eucharist in this episode of The Lenten Path. As the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist is more than a ritual—it is an invitation to self-giving love, deep communion with Christ, and transformation through His sacrifice.Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and personal experiences, Gerald explores how the Eucharist unites us with Christ and calls us to be bearers of His love in the world. He shares a powerful story from his prison ministry, where one man’s longing for the Eucharist became a journey of faith and renewal.During the episode, Gerald reflects on the words of Cardinal Tagle: “The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a gift in the fulfillment of His mission… His mission is not just about work, but the gift of oneself.” Through this lens, we are challenged to embrace the Eucharist as a call to love without partiality, to serve, and to become walking tabernacles of Christ’s presence.

Join us as Deacon Scott leads us in reflection on Mary, our Blessed Mother, and her role in salvation history in this episode of The Lenten Path. Though our Mother Mary speaks only briefly in the New Testament, her words hold the keys to the Christian life. Deacon Scott explores the Annunciation, where Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel—her fiat—changed the course of history. Her willingness to surrender to God's will offers us a model of faith, trust, and discipleship, even in times of uncertainty and suffering.During the episode, Deacon Scott reflects on Luke 1:38, where Mary responds to God’s call with complete trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

Join us as seminarian Ryan leads us in reflection on the meaning of fasting in this episode of The Lenten Path. As we journey through Lent, fasting is more than just abstaining from food—it is an invitation to deeper compassion, solidarity, and spiritual growth. Through personal experiences and Scripture, Ryan challenges us to go beyond mere self-denial and embrace fasting as a way to unite ourselves with the suffering of others and the hunger Jesus has for justice.During the episode, Ryan reflects on Isaiah 58:7, which reveals the kind of fasting that pleases the Lord: “Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7)

Join us today as Mary reflects on the theme of surrender and trust in this episode of The Lenten Way. As a full-time working mom, Mary understands the struggle of letting go of control and relying on God’s grace. Lent is a season of surrender—a time to release our burdens, trust in the Lord, and find peace in His presence. Through personal experiences and reflection, Mary invites us to consider what we need to lay at Christ’s feet this Lent.Mary focuses on Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus calls us to rest in Him: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NAB)

Join us as Angie kicks off our brand-new podcast, The Lenten Way. In this first episode, we explore how Lent can be more than just a season of sacrifice—it’s an opportunity for real, lasting change. Whether it’s breaking a bad habit, deepening your faith, or making space for God in your daily life, Lent invites us to grow in ways that matter. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to walk this sacred journey with intention, renewal, and hope as we prepare our hearts for Easter.During the podcast Angie will focus on the bible passage Matthew 16:24-25, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,* take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."