Suffering forms the theme of many posts on this blog. Just follow the tags.
But, this week, the holiest week of the year, one follows Christ on His terrible journey to the Cross.
Years ago, when I read that the great saints encouraged meditating on the Crucifixion, I could not accept that looking at the Cross was a credible exercise. Thankfully, God has been patient with me, and now, I can say truly that meditating on the Passion brings one into the reality of self-knowledge and love of God.
When one gets to the point where one asks God the Father to join in the suffering of Christ, one has embraced the purgation of the soul and body.
This purgation, this accepting of the Cross in any way God presents it to one, marks the real beginning of purification.
One begins to want to suffer, for one's sins, for reparation, for intercession, for the glory of God.
The more humble one becomes, the easier the acceptance of suffering becomes.
Follow Christ this week, not only in the Scriptures, but in the heart, mind, imagination, will.
Will the Cross.