Today, the Lord teaches us what our attitude should be toward the Cross. His burning love for the will of his Father, to accomplish the salvation of humankind—of every man and woman—moves him to hasten to Jerusalem, where “he will be handed over… they will condemn him to death… they will scourge him and put him to death” (cf. Mk 10:33-34). Even though at times we may not understand, or may even be afraid of the pain, suffering, or contradictions of each day, let us strive to unite ourselves—out of love for God’s saving will— with the offering of the daily cross.

The frequent practice of prayer and the sacraments, especially the personal Confession of sins and the Eucharist, will increase our love for God and for others for God’s sake, so that we will be able to say, “We can” (Mk 10:39), despite our miseries, fears, and sins. Yes, we will be able to embrace our daily cross (cf. Lk 9:23) out of love, with a smile; that cross which manifests itself in the ordinary and everyday: fatigue at work, the usual difficulties in family life and social relationships, etc.

Only if we embrace our daily cross, denying our own desires in order to serve others, will we be able to identify with Christ, who came “to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45). Saint John Paul II explained that “Jesus' service attains its fullest expression in his death on the cross, that is, in his total gift of self.” Let us, therefore, imitate Jesus Christ, constantly transforming our love for him into acts of service to all people: rich or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old, without distinction. Acts of service to draw them closer to God and free them from sin.