‘Take up your cross and follow me.’ Every individual comes across many crosses – some from birth, some from nature, some from others and some self-made. This Coved 19 itself is a big cross to bear. We respond to cross in various ways. Some ignore it; some are terrified of it; some succumb to it; some resist it; and some try to avoid it. Jesus tells, “Take up your cross.”

How did Jesus respond to his cross? We, humans, made a cross for Jesus. Humanity’s sins of the past, present and future accumulated and took the shape of a huge cross. Jesus embraced it. He willingly accepted it. He took it upon his shoulders. With this plow he plowed human hearts that they might become rich soil to produce fruits a hundredfold. His blood washed away the terrible and shameful images of the cross and made it a sign of victory and hope. Let us learn from him.

Cross hurts us; it frightens us. Nevertheless, the same pain and fear strengthen us. Jesus did not lament on the cross. Rather he offered his suffering to his Father for our salvation. Pain is wasted when endured with grumbling. Pain can be utilized by being offered. Aches and hurts can help us spiritually when offered for someone.

Money becomes offering when given for sacred purposes. Time and talents become valuable when given for charitable works. Pain of the cross becomes fruitful when dedicated willingly for someone or something.

Jesus is practical and even pragmatic. He does not promise us a life of bed of roses. But he shows us the way as to how to deal with crosses in our lives. In fact, he leads us by showing that way. He leads us and his is the biggest and the most painful cross. He promises to make our cross light and easy.

St. Augustine says, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering… Jesus died, but he vanquished death; in himself he put an end to what we feared; he took it upon himself and he  vanquished it, as a mighty hunter he captured and slew the lion.” Imitating Christ we should put an end to fear of the cross; rather we should face and overcome it.

We pray today that God may fill our hearts with His power; that we may never be afraid of crosses; that we may not succumb to crosses; that we may face crosses with courage; that we may have victory over crosses; and that we may never make or become a cross to our brothers and sisters.

Next Saturday we resume weekend Masses. The usual Mass schedule will be followed. Please go to our website and read bulletins for more information. With the grace of God let us begin our public worship in faith and love. May God bless us!