true grit

Words from Pope Benedict


"First of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its "popularity" or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response."

Now for the words of Jesus in today's gospel, "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 and that of the gospel will save it

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

What could one give in exchange for his life?

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

It takes a lot of grit to hear the words ofd Christ and follow them. JEsus needs disciples that are gritty, willing to get their hands and knees dirty. Those that let nothing stand in their way.

A disciple should have the mentality of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood in the Westerns. We walk with swagger and ride high in the saddle unafraid of the high noon challenge knowing that we all get called out in the end.

True Grit...rugged and worn from bring love to the world. Nothing should stand our way; no obstacle should interfere. We gather our possse, the communion of believers, living and deceased, Church triumph, church militant and church suffering and we ride out full speed ahead.

We may not be popular, we may get bad press, people will scoff and even spit in our direction but in the end being unashamed him will make all the difference.