By Your Holy Cross

Good Friday

Isaiah 52: 13-53:12 ~~~ Psalm 31 ~~~ John 18:1-19:42

Everything converges at the cross...the Passion reading...the Way of the Cross...the Seven Last words...the Seven Sorrows of Mary...

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

As Christians the cross has far reaching meaning for us. Without the cross we would not be who we are today. The cross is a constant reminder of what one person gave for us...his life. The cross is a constant reminder that we too must take up our cross no matter how great and move forward. Jesus willingly took the cross and dragged it to the hilltop. Most likely the soldiers led him on the longest route in order to make the agony more intense. A long route to expose him to more ridicule and mocking by the multitude along the path.

So often in our lives when facing unpleasant situations we look for ways to escape. Jesus had no where to go and no possible escape route. He submitted to the will of the Father. Teach me, Lord, to bear my trials in patient surrender. The things I cannot change are the very things you use to increase my trust and faith in you.

Pressing on Jesus exhibits get courage and stamina...he must make it to the hill of Calvary...Golgotha. This place of death outside the city walls, away so as to shield the people from the smell and cries of death. Jesus was treated as was other common criminals of that time. He has been on hills before...the Sermon on the Mount where he lays out the Beatitudes...the Transfiguration where he reveals the glory of his true nature. Here bloodied, tortured, bruised and forsaken he reveals his Divine Mercy...his inexhaustible Love, and his commitment to the Father's will.

The crosses we bear today pale in comparison with Our Lord's cross, but these crosses are just as real to us. Take up your cross...fully relying on God...and walk forward.

The hill may be steep, the climb may seem impossible, the loneliness may be intrusive, the pain may be unrelenting, the wounds tender,
but in the end there is something far greater.
When God comes into his Kingdom and
we are remembered it will be a glorious occasion.

Whatever is happening in your life; Jesus understands. He endured much while in the form of a man. We cannot say God would not understand, because he came to earth with all of the same needs and wants as we have right now.
He came for you. He came to die for you.
Venerate the cross with a grateful and tender heart.
You are Loved!