The Challenge of the Cross

On September 14th, the Church will celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, but today's Gospel presents the daunting challenge, "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Lk 14: 27). He means the rough and heavy cross, not the bejeweled sign of victory. If we want to be a true disciple, there is no alternative, and if we want to share in the triumph, we must bear the burden of pain and suffering, as Jesus did. It is not a path that is popular in our instant-pain-relief society, nor one that we would ordinarily choose to impose upon ourselves, but when we think of it, who among us is free from some form of physical ache, emotional strain or preocupation? If we are so blessed to be thusfar unburdened, our part then becomes to be the support of those whose cross is beyond their strength alone to bear. But all of us, are challenged to be READY to bear what ever comes, so as to walk more closely in the footsteps of Jesus, and also to purify our hearts and lives from over-attachment to comfort, material goods, and having our own way. It is a call to empty ourselves as Jesus did, clinging to nothing to which he was entitled as Son of God. The cross for Jesus was the price he paid to set us free from evil and give us the opportunity for a new and full life in God. He did not hold back in any way for our sakes. His resurrection means our resurrection, if we are willing to follow his path and take up his challenge of the cross. When we think of it, is there really anything or anyone we would let stand between us and Jesus? He shows us in so many ways each day, how much he longs for full and complete union with us; when we spend time reflecting on his great love for us, the cross becomes a small price to offer in exchange. "Take us your cross and follow me...be held and loved my me...forever!"
Bro. Rene