3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

In today’s Gospel, Mark 8:31-9:1, Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow Him. This call is not simply about enduring hardships but about embracing the transformative power of faith. By walking in faith, we continue God's work, building His Kingdom here on earth. True discipleship, as Jesus reminds us, requires self-denial and the willingness to lose our lives for His sake. While this might seem daunting, it is through this surrender that we find true life and hope.

On this Third Sunday of Lent, Byzantine Catholic Churches celebrate this message in a deeply symbolic and beautiful way. A Cross, often richly decorated, is placed at the center of the church—a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the Cross was planted in the middle of the world, it is ceremonially placed at the heart of the church, held high in a procession led by the priest. The faithful then come forward to venerate the Cross, while hymns resound, filling the space with reverence and hope.

This Sunday serves as a powerful moment of encouragement, especially as we find ourselves at the midpoint of Lent. By now, our strength may be waning under the demands of fasting, prostrations, and increased prayer. The Cross is placed before us as a banner of inspiration, much like a national flag held up before soldiers in battle. It reminds us of the ultimate purpose of our spiritual struggle during Lent—the redemption of suffering and the victory over death.

The Cross holds a profound mystery: through Christ’s sacrifice, even the greatest suffering can be transformed into the greatest glory. Let us, during the Great Fast, reflect on how we can more fully commit ourselves to following Christ. May we support one another with acts of love and sacrifice, knowing that our efforts contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom.
May we embrace the Cross with courage and joy, drawing strength from its presence and trusting in the promise of eternal life that Jesus offers to those who follow Him.