Роздуми над Божим Словом – Мk 8, 34 – 9,1

The Eparchy of Olsztyn-Gdańsk released reflections on the Gospel of Mark 8:34–9:1, examining the meaning of taking up one's cross and denying oneself.

The reflections suggest that taking up a cross is more than accepting illness, failure, or difficult people. Because the cross in Jesus' time represented shame, suffering, and death, the text explains that following Christ means allowing God to lead a person even into unwanted places. This follows the biblical account of Peter, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah but struggled to accept a path defined by suffering.

The text clarifies that denying oneself does not mean rejecting personal dignity or allowing others to cause harm. Instead, it means moving the self away from the center of one's life and ceasing to prioritize personal gain, public image, or the need to be right. The reflections warn that pursuing worldly success, such as wealth, status, or winning arguments, can lead to losing inner peace or meaningful relationships. The passage concludes by noting that the biblical term for soul also refers to a person's true, whole life.