A person who wants to be a disciple must first of all decide whether he or she can stand up under the crosses that will have to be carried along the way. The lives of the apostles were filled with uncertainty and persecution. The same is true for Christians in every age. Being faithful to Christ and all he stands for does not make us popular. The Eucharist is our strength. It will not take away our feeling of emptiness and uncertainty but it will show us that the eternal reward is worth this pain and suffering.