The Holy Mother of God shared in her Son's Passion and Death. So, we are asked at some point to do the same and enter into the suffering of Christ. This is different than suffering the consequences of our own sins. This is extra. This is gift. This is entering into Love.
 |
| http://www.conceptionabbey.org/basilica/beuronese-murals?start=17 It is better to carry cheerfully, with joy, the cross or crosses which Christ has given you than to take on crosses. Only do more penance with the advice of a priest, a good traditional priest. Giving up chocolate is great, but living without the comfort of a family and accepting the joy of being criticized may be your Lenten Way. A TLM priest recently told me not to take on extra things, as poverty and being alone without a community or mate were crosses to be endured in joy and peace in my life. He is right, of course. One has a tendency to fight suffering instead of giving in to it. For, even if it is inevitable, one needs to make an act of wilful acceptance. Pray for acceptance for the crosses in your life. These might be isolation, misunderstandings, lack of love, illness, grief. God invites us to carry His Cross with Him. What an honour What a gift. You may be one of those He is asking to carry His Cross this very day, this Lent, for the rest of your life. I can think of one dear friend of mine who has a great cross to bear because of one mistake in his life. If I pray for him, I enter into his suffering and that of Christ. So it is with us. But, once we have been purged of sin, Christ invites us again to be with Him and share in His suffering. This was clear to me when I accepted having cancer. Suffering with peace and even joy is possible. Do not waste suffering, or run away from suffering. |