Throughout Ordinary Time we follow Jesus in his ministry. We are called to practice our faith in Christ be living our lives as Jesus lived His. It is not enough to believe in Jesus if you do not also believe in His cross. The cross was the culmination of Jesus’ life lived entirely for others.
In the Gospel according to Luke Jesus says that if anyone wants to follow Him they must accept the cross, everyday, and live as He does. But what does that mean for you and for me? Our cross is the same as the one Jesus bore, in essence: we must live our lives for others and not that we must all die on a cross. That means that each day we must make difficult choices to remain on the path that Jesus has set for us.
It is not always easy, or even desirable, to think of someone before ourselves. Sometimes we want to be selfish and put ourselves before others. Sometimes we find it hard to love and to forgive people. Sometimes we forget to pray for someone who is ill, or in need of God’s help in some other way. Sometimes we fail to say a kind word to someone or to be polite. Sometimes we neglect to give to those in need from our many blessings. It isn’t always easy to do the right thing and sometimes we choose to do what we know is wrong. Every time we forget, or choose, to do or not do any of these things, and others, we fail to carry the cross in our lives.
It wasn’t easy for Jesus to carry the heavy burden of His cross. There is no reason to think that our crosses will be any easier to carry. Our choices can be very difficult. That is why it is so important for us to establish and maintain a strong relationship with Jesus so that He can help us with our burden. Jesus can lift us up when we fall, give us strength when we are weak, and He always loves us, even when we fail in our efforts. It is important to accept and admit those times we fail to do what is right, ask for God’s forgiveness and move forward with a renewed and humbled heart and mind to try to do what is right the next time.
Be willing to accept the cross each and every day. Every day try to carry that cross to the end of the day. When you fall, pray for help from Jesus to give you strength in mind and body. Simon helped Jesus carry his cross, and Jesus will help us to carry ours.
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The Psalm this week is Psalm 63: My Soul Is Thirsting.
May our Lord Jesus help you carry the burden of your cross each and every day!
Elaine