The Israelites, through a realisation of God's actions on their behalf as presented in the first reading, were called to respond to God in praise and love. God did not merely tell the people of His affection for them; He demonstrated that affection by means of all the wonderful things He accomplished for them.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to take up the cross and follow Him. These are not hollow words. They are backed by His actions. Jesus Himself not only took up the Cross; He died upon it. That is the greatest love the world has ever seen.

When we contemplate this act of Jesus, we should be willing, even eager to respond in kind. We should appreciate what Jesus has done for us. Love calls out for love, not a love expressed only in mere words but in actions. The measure of our love is found in how willing we are to accept whatever trials, frustrations and sufferings that come to us. We want our words of acceptance to be sincere, but there will be no doubt about sincerity if our actions are generous.