In his message for the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas reflects on the profoundness of the Savior’s call: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34).
The Romanian Metropolitan emphasizes that this command is a deep call that resonates with us, especially as we begin the new ecclesiastical year.
“It is a call to our freedom to follow Him, the One in whose image we were created, the One who came to restore that image,” Metropolitan Nicolae stated.
“As beings created in the image of God, though tainted by sin, we hear this call and recognize the One who speaks as the ultimate example. It is a call to return to God, a call that stirs our very essence, awakening our profound desire for perfection and the absolute.”
The Metropolitan elaborates on how Christ, as true God and true man, serves as the model for our journey back to Him:
“First, we must deny ourselves, letting go of the self-centeredness that separates us from God and others, relinquishing what we cling to as our own. Christ, despite being God, humbled himself and took on the form of a servant, becoming human (Philippians 2:6-7).”
“Then, we are called to take up our cross, embracing our own strengths and weaknesses. We acknowledge our God-given talents while also recognizing our limitations. Taking up the cross entails the effort to nurture our gifts and overcome our weaknesses.”
“Lastly, we are to follow Christ, walking the path He has laid out for us, embracing our divine sonship and the brotherhood it entails. Christ’s compelling call transforms our lives, infusing them with eternal significance, fulfilling our humanity in Him, the God-man.”
As the new ecclesiastical year begins, the hierarch extends his wishes for peace, joy, and pastoral fulfillment to all the priests and faithful of the Metropolis.
Source: basilica.ro / Photo: mitropolia.us