14th Sunday After Pentecost

In Matthew 16:24 Jesus says, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This passage has often been used to justify unnecessary and unjust suffering. But this is not what Jesus was talking about. Suffering is not necessary, or redemptive in and of itself. Rather suffering often comes because the Empire, the powers that be, are in the position to marginalize you and bring suffering on individuals and groups who challenge the status quo.