Jesus said to all: “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny himself his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. Luke 9:23
As we begin Holy Week, let us reflect on how closely we follow Jesus each day.
During the Advent season, the readings and hymns tell us to make straight the path of the Lord for he is coming. During the Lenten season, the road is not so straight, it has become very rocky and difficult to travel, for we know it leads to Calvary. Just as in Advent, we proclaim, “He is coming," now in Lent, we know He is going… goingto Calvary for us. Do we have the courage to die to self and follow him to the Cross?
As Carmelites, we are called to follow the Crucified and Risen Lord, we can ask ourselves:
Do I follow Jesus for a little while in prayer and then go in another direction when
the road of daily challenges and frustrations becomes too difficult?
Do I follow Jesus when I am receiving spiritual consolations and great lights
and inspiration in prayer, then, at the first experience of spiritual dryness give up prayer?
Do I stray from the road to Calvary by being unforgiving to that person who has hurtme very deeply?
Here is the image of the cross that St. John of the Cross drew himself. The original is very small. The impact of this tiny image is very spiritually moving, because St. John draws the image with a view of the Cross from above, as if the Father is looking down on His Son and his sacrifice. Perhaps we can meditate on St. John’s Cross this week.
Here is a link to an article about St. John’s Cross:
From the writings of St. John of the Cross:
…He was thereby compelled to cry out: My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?[Mt. 8:20]. This was the most extreme abandonment, sensitively, that he had suffered in His life. And by it he accomplished the most marvelous work of his whole life, surpassing all the works and deeds and miracles that he had ever performed on earth or in heaven.That is, he brought about the reconciliation and union of the human race with God through grace. The Ascent of Mount Carmel, Book Two, Chapter 7, No. 11
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because, by your holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS
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