Carrying his cross by himself, he went out to what is called
The Place Of the Skull, which in Hebrew is Golgotha.
John 19:17
The Second Station: Jesus Bears His Cross…
Jesus might have refused the cross. If he just lay on the ground to die, couldn’t he have avoided that painful trek up to Calvary? My conjecture is meaningless because Jesus accepted the cross. Though another man would have fallen under the burden, he persisted. As I imagine this scene, I remember that Jesus was God’s Son, God’s fully human son. His body felt that burden as fully painfully as any one of us would have.
Isn’t it odd that we struggle for power and prestige while Jesus forsook them both for us? While Jesus embraced his cross, we wiggle and squirm just enough to shake away our own burdens. Comfort is too often our goal. Whether it is physical or emotional or financial, we do what we must to ensure our comfort. It occurs to me that I’m happiest when I look beyond my own “comfort issues” to take care of others. Jesus did this all of his life. Perhaps I can do the same just for today.
Loving God, help me to embrace the opportunities before me. Help me to bring a bit of comfort to those whom I meet along the way.
©2019 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved
