Blessed John Henry Newman writes, “You have one work only: to bear your cross after Him.”
What is our natural aversion to suffering and the crosses of our life? Self-preservation, weakness, wimpy-ness, apathy or out and out refusal? I am sure there are many more words than the few I have listed.
If we declare ourselves Christians, and at its very root that means following Christ, He states, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23, Matt 16:24) then we must consider what this means.
Surely as human beings we understand the value in pushing through difficulties. In hindsight, we often look back at those times in our life and see growth from those times. After all, “that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” We can all attest to that no doubt.
So why the reluctance to take up our crosses?
Fear, I suspect is a strong motivator. Fear of what? The unknown, the consequences, the outcomes, the price.
If we believe Christ to be God and trust that He has our backs and only wants what is best for us, loves us beyond measure, and desires our union with Him in eternal bliss; we have got to believe that the cross is good for us.
So why delay? One of my favorite parts in the Passion of the Christ was when Christ was given His cross and He embraced and kissed it. In imitation of our Lord we must do the same. It only becomes sweeter and lighter when we do. Yes, sweeter and lighter.
Newman goes on to write, “Every act of obedience is an approach-an approach to Him who is not far off, though He seems so…”
Do not fear, trust in the Lord and pick up that cross you have been avoiding- it is you will find, the very remedy to your problem and the key to heaven.
Very well written!! Thanks for sharing! ~Blessings~
My mother certainly spoke often to carry your cross, doing God’s will and just offer it up for the poor souls in purgatory. I believe the three options work hand in hand and make it palatable. Offer it up covered for me eating canned peas, not getting a new pair of peddle pushers (capri pants) or money to go roller skating. I figured that was carrying my cross. The last many decades I am helping my spouse to carry his heavy cross and so I believe now I will have experience and extra strength to carry my own. Telling God in prayer “I will do your will” seemed hugh to me like signing a blank check or telling him use me as target practice. I found a simple prayer that eased me into trusting and asking for his will; “Incline my heart according to your will oh Lord.” Now I would have it no other way because my life and trusting that of our loved ones to his will has brought us so much peace.
Thanks for your wonderful insight after all it is from you and dad that I learned the value and importance of suffering. Your prayer is much like Mary’s fiat every single day. It is witnesses like you and dad that show the world that carrying your cross is a way to reach heaven that is radically opposed to the world’s view of ease goals. Love you!