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Bearing Our Cross
“We all have our Crosses to bear” is such a common statement when we have challenges to face in our lives. Some Crosses are small and are just a little trial we have to endure and some are enormous. Sometimes we are challenged far beyond what we believe we can handle. One of Webster’s Dictionary’s definitions of Cross is “Any affliction that causes great suffering”, and it goes on to speak about Christian usage and that it involves bearing this Cross.
If we see our Crosses as a tool or instrument to help us focus on what is the goal in our life then they are more than destructive but constructive in our lives. Any race, challenge, fortitude, conviction and resolution are tools that assist us greatly. Often times in life we feel alone and overwhelmed; ready to give up, ready to turn numb, and then if we only turn our eyes towards Christ everything changes. These tools clarify our quest for our life with Jesus.
Christ suffered on the Cross, and by doing so; we are never again alone in anything we suffer; in any Cross we would bear. When the Cross on our backs gets heavy enough to break us, we can look to Christ and He helps us bear it.
Why bear our Cross at all? We bear it because there is only one other option: that of true death. True death is not merely earthly death, but spiritual death.
On September 14th we celebrate the life giving and precious Cross. On that day we reflect in Christ’s Cross as we lay our burdens before him. It is a very solemn day in which we acknowledge this special sacrifice. As we sing the Hymn of the Cross we recognize the victory over death.
Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.
What awaits those who with faith bear their Cross? The glory that is Christ’s Resurrection! We share Christ’s Cross and we share Christ’s Resurrection!
In Christ’s Love, Fr. Ted Toppses |
