“You just don’t understand.” she told me in exasperation. “No”, I sighed. “I guess I don’t.”

We had just finished this amazing day and a small inconsequential occurrence, that any other time would have been easily dismissed, caused her to rethink everything as the day dissolved into sadness and self loathing.

Why does being human have to be so hard?

Life is filled with mostly ordinary non-memorable, in-between moments that float away on the wind. Yet, there are also the extraordinary moments. Some are joyous beyond expression; others overflow with deep despair and sadness. It’s what we do with all our moments that really count.

Being human is something we spend our whole lives working out. The sheer depth and mystery of humanity is immeasurable. Depending on our life experiences, we can quickly rebound when life throws us a curve ball or fall to the ground confused and confounded, not knowing how to go forward. When we sin, we must live with the consequences of our actions sooner or later. After all, we cannot hide from ourselves for very long.

One of the most powerful movie images that I often regale is from J.R.R. Tolkien’s, Fellowship of the Rings. Frodo has agreed to take on the treacherous trek to Mordor to return “the ring.” He and his unlikely band of companions have begun their journey. At one point they must “take to the Mines of Moria” to avoid being seen from the air.

Upon entering the caves they quickly realize that they are in greater danger there. Passage after passage they are besieged by a variety of evil creatures. When all seems lost and they become surrounded, arrows raining in from every direction, the ground begins to shake and an ominous fiery hue can be seen in the distance. The immediate enemy flees as a far greater threat, the Balrog, makes its presence known. Gandalf cries out for the group to run ahead in an attempt to escape this eminent danger. Racing across a foot bridge Gandalf realizes that it is there he must turn and face the beast.

In an act of utter determination and self-sacrifice he strikes his staff to the ground and shouts, “You shall not pass.” Time seems to stand still as the friends watch Gandalf’s defiant stand against so fearsome a creature. Gandalf is unyielding in his conviction to stand his ground and the bridge starts to collapse before him swallowing the Balrog into the black abyss. The moment of triumph is at hand, yet, short lived. As Gandalf turns to continue his journey, a final attempt is made to bring him down and out of the blackness the Balrog’s whip snaps around Gandalf’s leg, pulling him into the depths.

Why do I reference this segment? Life can be much like this at times. While not so amazing and theatric, we too can be going about our journey when out of nowhere a painful memory or sinful moment can reach out and pull us to the ground where we can remain stunned, tormented, and feeling very alone. Our fears can allow the past to become larger than life and almost as fearsome and undefeatable as Gandalf’s Balrog.

But, are we really alone?

Christ reminds us in Scripture to “take courage” and “not be afraid.” We often think we must face our monsters alone. We ignore the people God surrounds us with that can lead us to Him. We choose misery, heartbreak, negativity; becoming a magnet in fact, that seems to only attract more hurt.

Fr. John Corapi reminds us that the cross is a “plus sign.” That despite all of our pain and suffering, positive energy and strength can be found there. Our Lord does not make things as complicated as we might think. Our crosses, our sins, our past hurts, can be transformed with Christ’s all encompassing positive gift of love.

So bring your pain to the cross, trust in Christ. Let the positive power of His love and sacrifice; transform your life from ordinary to extraordinary.