What trails are you facing right now? Is it a Challenge to get out o bed in the morning and face the day? If you've taken a holiday from work or school and it's time to get back into routine, it can be easy to dread the return to normal. I know for myself, starting back to work in the got summer days after having a brief break from school is definitely going to be a challenge. However, we need to think on the positive side and embrace the day ahead, even if there are challenges ahead that we know may bring us down. It's important to keep those challenging times in mind at the start of our day and offer them to God, asking for His aid and giving everything to Him, so that we can Bear the burden easier. Are you ready for the day?

Today's Gospel states:'Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done' (Matthew 16:24-27).

Today's reading talks about how we need to take up our cross. Crosses can range from a burden for the day, issues at work, a tiring week, to struggles with family and friends, and illness. We all have a Cross to bear, and it may change daily. We need to remember that everyone has a Cross and that God will help us to bear ot, no matter how great or small it may be. Take some time in the morning this week and ask God to help you bear your Cross each day.

Today we pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for helping me through each and every day. Help me to surrender a bit of my load and please aid me in bearing my Cross today.

I pray in Your most holy name, Amen.