In the Sunday Liturgy we are at the point in hearing from Matthew’s gospel where Jesus makes the first of three similar announcements: he must suffer, die, and be raised on the third day. The Greek word translated must is dei. It has the sense that it is necessary according to God’s plan. There is no way to get around it.
Jesus goes on to announce the implication for us as his followers. We are to lose the life God has given us into something bigger than ourselves. We are to spend our life on this earth in service of others and for the glory of God.
What is your sense of how you must spend your life according to God’s plan? When are you most aware of this realization?