May 22, 2020

Christ tells us that if we want to join him, we shall travel the way he took.
- St. John of the Cross
 
So it is. We must take up our cross and follow Him. It is as simple as it sounds. We make it difficult because we question, we lack trust, we think we can do it better, and we are selfish.
 
Jesus will not ask us to carry a cross He has not already given us the grace to carry. What He asks is that we turn to Him at all times. Jesus loves you, and He loves me. I’ve shared this before and it is worth repeating—Jesus wants our joy more than we do. The crosses we experience will bring us to the joy of resurrection, the joy of new life. There is no Easter morn without Good Friday. Jesus asks us to die to ourselves and the ways that lead us away from God’s love. When we do that, we will rise from a particular cross we are burdened with to experience the joy and love of companionship with God.
 
There is a freedom in surrendering to Jesus. Maybe there is a grudge, a worry, a toxic relationship we’ve been holding on to. Let us ask for the grace to let a little part of it go today. Let us allow Jesus to show us where He wants us to travel with Him, remembering He is always by our side and in our heart.
 
Come, Holy Spirit.
 
©Mary V. Pribbenow