St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, (Edith Stein) was a Jewish intellectual who converted to Catholicism, became a Carmelite Contemplative and died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz. If anyone could write about evil, darkness and the cross, it was she. Yet she found in the cross a deep seated joy as she realized that she was not alone; Jesus was the main cross bearer and she was only asked to help, as was Simon of Cyrene. Such a partnership made the cross bearable and gives us an insight into how to deal with out own daily crosses. For Jesus, it was nearly unbearable pain, so much so that he needed help and then, hanging on it for three hours, felt not only physical pain but total abandonment. He plunged into the absolute depths of human suffering. Yet, this cross, this anguish was the triumph over evil, and the cross is now the symbol of victory. Something to keep in mind when our own crosses seem unbearable. Through the prayers of St. Teresa, may we come to appreciate the opportunity we have to share in this victory next to our Friend, Jesus.
Bro. Rene
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