The Catholic Church celebrates this great feast of "The Exaltation of the Holy Cross" to acknowledge that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. We are blessed indeed.
This day is very meaningful to me personally. In reflecting on the sufferings that Jesus endured at the time of His passion, I am reminded that my own sufferings can be utilized for good as well. While it can be difficult to see God's hand in the midst of our sufferings, we can trust that He is always present. "The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us; He is like us in all things but sin." Jesus understands my pain. I am never going through something that He does not comprehend.
I don't know how many times I have heard the question in one way or another, but the search for meaning in suffering is an age-old philosophical quest. However, it is still tempting to become frustrated during our times of suffering. The question asked usually looks something like this, "Why is this happening to me?" I have asked myself that question on occasion. It may not be a sound theological question, but it is an honest, emotional one.
These are some of the scenarios in which the question arises:
A person is diagnosed with a serious illness and dreams are shattered.
Someone dies in a tragic accident and the grief is immense.
A marriage breaks up and the words exchanged bring deep hurt, guilt, anger, or shame.
A person loses a job and experiences a loss of income, security, and sometimes even their identity.
The list could go on and on but I think you get the picture. We each have a story that contains a certain amount of pain and suffering. Today, we are invited to look intently at the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can't handle when we unite ourselves to the "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords".
This day is very meaningful to me personally. In reflecting on the sufferings that Jesus endured at the time of His passion, I am reminded that my own sufferings can be utilized for good as well. While it can be difficult to see God's hand in the midst of our sufferings, we can trust that He is always present. "The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us; He is like us in all things but sin." Jesus understands my pain. I am never going through something that He does not comprehend.
I don't know how many times I have heard the question in one way or another, but the search for meaning in suffering is an age-old philosophical quest. However, it is still tempting to become frustrated during our times of suffering. The question asked usually looks something like this, "Why is this happening to me?" I have asked myself that question on occasion. It may not be a sound theological question, but it is an honest, emotional one.
These are some of the scenarios in which the question arises:
A person is diagnosed with a serious illness and dreams are shattered.
Someone dies in a tragic accident and the grief is immense.
A marriage breaks up and the words exchanged bring deep hurt, guilt, anger, or shame.
A person loses a job and experiences a loss of income, security, and sometimes even their identity.
The list could go on and on but I think you get the picture. We each have a story that contains a certain amount of pain and suffering. Today, we are invited to look intently at the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can't handle when we unite ourselves to the "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords".
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