The gospel of today speaks deeply to the essence of Christian discipleship and the transformative power of humility. At its core, this reflection draws on Jesus’ teachings about self-denial, sacrifice, and the cost of true discipleship. To follow Christ is not merely about outward actions or religious rituals; it requires an inward surrender of one’s self-centered desires, pride, and ego.
Ego, in this context, refers to the sense of self-importance, the drive for personal glory, and the desire to control one’s life according to personal desires and ambitions. In contrast, Christ calls His followers to adopt an attitude of humility, where one’s will is aligned with God’s will, rather than with the pursuit of personal gain or recognition. 
When Jesus speaks of crucifying the ego, He invites believers to surrender the illusion of control, letting go of the need to be self-sufficient and instead recognizing the dependence on God. The act of crucifixion symbolizes death — the death of the self-centered life in favor of a life centered on Christ and His mission. In the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes that to follow Him is to take up one’s cross, symbolizing both sacrifice and commitment to a higher calling.
This surrender is not easy. The ego often resists, leading to struggles with pride, selfishness, and the desire for recognition. Yet, Jesus assures that through the process of crucifying the ego, true freedom and fulfillment are found. It is in losing one’s life for Christ’s sake that one truly gains it (Mark 8:35). The ego may seek to protect itself, but in the surrender, believers find a deeper connection with Christ, a transformation of character, and a renewed sense of purpose rooted in love, service, and grace.
Crucifying the ego, therefore, is a continuous journey. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of surrendering more and more of ourselves to God’s work in our lives. It is through this transformation that one becomes more like Christ, exemplifying His humility, selflessness, and love. To follow Christ, then, is to embrace this radical reorientation of the heart, where the ego dies and the life of Christ is fully alive in us.
In conclusion, the theme challenges us to examine our motivations, desires, and actions. It invites us to reflect on the areas of our lives where our ego still reigns and calls us to submit those areas to God. Only by crucifying the ego can we truly take up our cross and follow Christ with authenticity, humility, and a heart open to His will.
As a country, we must deeply reflect on our choices driven by ego which result in conflicts and mayhem. Let’s us eschew injustice and embrace compassion and forgiveness
Happy Independence Day to all Ghanaians. God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong in Godliness. Have a fruitful day of reflection.
Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
