Taking Up the Cross is Not Optional

Being human, nobody wants to suffer. Unfortunately, the cross is very much a part of Christianity. Taking up the cross is not optional; it is part of our journey. Even Jesus, who's human and divine, didn't want the cross -- but almost immediately, he said, not my will but your will be done. As much as we don't want to carry the cross, the cross is part of life. Even for Mary, who was at the foot at the cross, was basically watching her son die. Life is full of crosses. We cannot escape the cross until we die and return to the Father. Rather than asking to escape it -- we should ask for the strength to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. -Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (2 March 2024)