Christ invites anyone who desires to enter heaven to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. Halfway through the Great Fast the Church reminds us of our goal and the victory of the Cross. The first step is wanting to be with Him in heaven. He offers it freely, but He also tells us up front that it won’t be easy. It requires the way of the Cross, a life of struggle and self-denial, but it is worth the grace and joy of heaven. Do you want to follow Christ into heaven? Then learn how to deny yourself through fasting, take up the cross of your struggle and follow Him all way to heaven.