The second meditation on "The crosses we bear"
I often wonder why people have to suffer and, more importantly, why Jesus had to suffer. Even in my own life, I endure aches and pains daily when I would much rather return to those carefree days of my youth when my body didn't cause me any discomfort. I remind myself that we are not alone in our suffering and that there is always tomorrow.
In my work at St. John's Hospital Pavilion, I meet many people who carry a cross. They ask me to pray for them, and I ask God that "thy will be done" in hopes that the weight of their cross might be lessened. I also pray that God will give strength to those who are caregivers as they, through their kindness, strive to relieve some of the burden.
God identifies with all of this and wants us to ask for help. Consider how a parent wants to protect a child or a person wishes to protect a loved one. So too must God have been saddened in watching his only son carry the heavy cross to his crucifixion. God offered his only son to show us just how much he loves us and identifies with our suffering. Jesus embraced his suffering in order that he might be an example to us of following God's will.
We do not walk this journey of our life alone. God, present in the faces of many people we interact with, stands ready to carry the cross with us. I pray we can see beyond the sufferings and realize that the crosses we bear will lead to our resurrection and everlasting life in heaven. Our pain and suffering is surrounded by flowers—a symbol of God's presence in our lives.
Lenten Carbon Fast
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