Catholic Parish of the Good Shepherd, Hurunui, New Zealand, 138a Carters Road, Amberley (2026)

11/09/2026

Sunday Newletter
September 13

03/09/2026

Sunday Newsletter
September 6

30/08/2026

Homily: “Carry Your Cross, But Don’t Carry It Alone”

Matthew 16:21–27

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us something that is simple, but very challenging:

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Every one of us has a cross.

For some, it is a difficult relationship.
For others, it is loneliness, disappointment, financial struggles, failure, or uncertainty about the future.

Some carry the pain of losing someone they love. Others carry a secret struggle that nobody knows about.

And sometimes, we come to Mass smiling on the outside, while inside we are quietly saying:

“Lord, I’m tired. I don't know how much longer I can do this.”

Today, Jesus does not tell us that our crosses will disappear.

He says:

“Take up your cross and follow me.”

Why?

Because Jesus never asks us to carry our crosses alone.

That is the difference faith makes.

When we suffer, Christ is with us.

When we are rejected, Christ is with us.

When we fail, Christ is with us.

When we don't understand what God is doing, Christ is still with us.

But Jesus also gives us a serious challenge:

What are you willing to surrender to follow Him?

Perhaps it is your pride.

Perhaps it is your anger.

Perhaps it is an addiction, a sinful habit, a grudge, or the need to always be right.

Perhaps you have been putting work, money, success, comfort, or even other people ahead of God.

Jesus asks us today:

“What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and lose his life?”

So here is our challenge:

This week, surrender one thing that is keeping you from Jesus.

Forgive someone you have refused to forgive.

Say sorry if you need to say sorry.

Return to prayer.

Come back to Mass.

Make time for someone who needs you.

Let go of something you know God is asking you to let go of.

Don't wait for the perfect moment.

Choose Jesus today.

Because at the end of our lives, the question will not simply be, “How much did I achieve?”

It will be:

“Did I love? Did I follow Christ? Did I give my life for something greater than myself?”

My brothers and sisters,

Don't run away from your cross. Don't carry it alone. Carry it with Jesus.

Because the cross may be heavy—

but with Christ, it can lead us to resurrection.

Amen.