Jeremiah felt "duped" by God because the people mocked him. Have you ever felt "duped" by God? Have you been able to examine that feeling more closely and come to a deeper understanding of your life's purpose?

Jeremiah's poignant words probably express feelings many people of faith have, like the ones you stand before this weekend, at some point in their lives. He has run up against the prophet's lot: The faith in his heart he could not ignore and the need to speak out from his faith have led him to suffering and rejection.

Our experiences in this life can be pretty grand. Let us count the ways this world delights us: sunsets, flowers, falling in love, the birth of a child, birthday cake, Christmas lights, shade trees, the Grand Canyon, our favorite song, that new car smell, friendship, Thanksgiving dinner, holding hands, joyful news.

Jesus instructs his disciples: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself." To deny oneself "is to disown oneself as the center of one's existence," says a footnote to this biblical passage. Hmm . . . Shouldn't we be the center of our own existence--the lead in our own life stories?

Today's epistle has me wondering what it would be like if Saint Paul reappeared today in, say, New York or LA. After a chance to watch some TV, surf the Internet, catch up on the major issues in the news, and see how our culture is driven by conspicuous wealth, self-indulgence, and obsession with celebrities, I imagine his message would be the same as it was in the first century A.D. "Do not conform yourselves to this age."

While we are sitting in church today listening to the three very difficult readings, thousands of well-meaning people are flocking to churches that preach a "feel good" version of Christianity.

Mel Gibson's blockbuster movie The Passion of the Christ stirred passions when it was released. Among the various criticisms, some viewers and critics objected to the level of violence and bloodshed, as well as to the single-minded focus on Jesus' final moments of suffering and agony. 

We pray for the strength not to grow weary in our faith.

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. In the gospel today Jesus says two important things. First, he begins to show how his Passion is something he will have to endure.

You want to see his altar? This altar is made of Christ's own members, and the Lord's body becomes an altar for you. Venerate it. It is more august than the stone altar on which you offer the holy sacrifice.  --John Chrysostom (c. 350-407)