The Carrying of the Cross - Patience in Adversity

 

The Carrying of the Cross

Fruit of the Mystery: Patience in Adversity

Already beaten, bruised, and bloody, Jesus carries his cross to Golgotha, the place of his execution. In the traditional Stations of the Cross, he falls three times along the way. Scripture tells us that Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service to help him (Matthew 27:32).

Along the way, Jesus meets a group of women from Jerusalem who were weeping for him. Jesus tells them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). Even in the midst of his suffering, Jesus does not wallow in self-pity. He continues on, determined to carry out his Father’s will.

Patience is a difficult virtue. There is something to be said for the classic adage, “Lord, give me patience and give it to me right now!” Patience is one of those virtues we develop by practicing it over and over again. We need to have patience with both ourselves and others as we go about our daily lives.

Patience in adversity is even more difficult. When we are suffering, our first tendency is usually to complain, to tell anyone who will listen about our troubles. We are right to seek help to alleviate our suffering, especially in matters of health or mental illness in which we can turn to medical professionals for appropriate assistance. If our suffering can be mitigated in some way, we can and should seek relief. Jesus had Simon to help him. We don’t need to suffer alone.

But sometimes, even after asking for help, we face suffering that has no remedy. At those times, we need to carry our cross, and we are called to bear it patiently, without complaint.

Even more than voluntary sacrifices, involuntary suffering offers us the opportunity to unite our suffering with Christ’s suffering. Bearing our crosses is a requirement for the Christian life. As Jesus instructed us, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

In meditating on this mystery of The Carrying of the Cross, may we pray for patience in our own adversity.

 

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