The path to resurrected life begins with the cross. It must go through the cross. Jesus could not get to resurrected life without it. Neither can we. His invitation to follow him is an invitation to take the way of the cross, to deny themselves, and follow him every day. This is a challenge in a culture that tells you to indulge yourself. Jesus died to forgive us. But he also died to show us the path to life. Self-denial is the entry point to life with Jesus. It is something we do with him. On the other side of death is a brand-new life.