No Cross, No Crown

Reflection Date: February 19, 2026 Thursday after Ash Wednesday 
Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

Children of God:

Jim Caviezel, the actor who played Jesus in the movie The Passion of the Christ, often shares how difficult that role was for him. 

During the filming, he was accidentally whipped twice with real lashes. One of those blows cut deeply and left a 14-inch scar on his back that he still carries today. 

In another scene, the heavy wooden cross he was carrying caused him to dislocate his shoulder. 

He also suffered hypothermia while filming the crucifixion scene in cold weather. 

Lightning even struck the set during one of the takes!

Caviezel admitted that there were moments he wanted to quit because of the pain. 

Yet he continued, believing that the message of the film was worth the suffering. 

He later said that portraying Jesus changed his life and his faith. What he experienced was only a small reflection of what Christ truly endured. 

In the gospel story of Luke, Jesus spoke very clearly about the cost of discipleship. 

He did not hide the fact that following him would involve suffering. He warned his disciples that he would be rejected, killed, and raised on the third day. 

Then he turned to them and invited them to take up their own crosses. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, no sacrifice, no discipleship.

Jesus told his followers, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). These were strong words! 

He did not present faith as something easy or convenient. Instead, he described it as a daily decision to choose God’s will over personal comfort.

True discipleship always asks something from us. It may ask for patience, forgiveness, honesty, or perseverance. 

Sometimes it demands letting go of pride, ambition, or unhealthy habits. 

Today, we are invited to examine what crosses are we avoiding. 

Second, lose to gain, die to live.

Jesus continued with a powerful paradox: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). 

The world teaches that happiness comes from gaining more and holding on tightly. Jesus taught the opposite.

He explained that real life is found not in selfishness but in self-giving love. 

The one who clings only to comfort ends up empty. The one who gives, serves, and sacrifices discovers deeper meaning.

This teaching remains true today. Relationships grow when people are willing to sacrifice. Families become strong when members put others first. 

Communities flourish when generosity overcomes selfishness. The gospel invites us to this upside-down wisdom of Christ.

Children of God:

The season of Lent reminds us that the cross is part of the Christian journey. 

Jesus asked a simple but serious question: “What does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose himself?” (Luke 9:25). 

Every day we are faced with choices between comfort and conscience, between convenience and commitment. 

Beyond Jesus assures us that beyond sacrifice, there is resurrection, and beyond giving there is new life. The challenge for us is to carry our daily crosses.