The Cross and True Riches Chapter 7

What “crosses”-- trials, sufferings, etc… do you carry? Take a moment to write them in your journal.

The Burden You Bear A troubled and burdened man prayed and prayed that God would lift his burden. Day after day he prayed that his life would be easier and he begged for God's intervention. One day, Jesus came to the man and asked, "My child, what troubles you?" The man replied that his life was full of turmoil and that it had become too much to bear. He again asked for help stating that he just couldn't continue to go on. Jesus, feeling the man's anguish, decided help was in order. The man was so happy that his prayers were about to be answered that his burden already felt lighter. Jesus took the man to a room and stopped in front of the door. When he opened the door, what the man saw was amazing. The room was filled with crosses; little crosses, big crosses, giant crosses. The man, bewildered, looked at Jesus and asked how this would help him. Jesus explained that each cross represented a burden that people carry; small burdens, big burdens, giant burdens -- and every burden in-between. At this point, Jesus offered the man the opportunity to choose his burden. The man, so excited that he was finally able to have some control over his life, looked around the room for just the right cross. He saw a tiny little cross way back in the corner. It was the smallest cross in the room. After a bit of thought, he pointed to the cross and said, "That one, Lord. I want that one." Jesus asked, "Are you sure, my son?" The man quickly replied, "Oh, yes Lord. Most definitely, yes." Jesus turned to the man and replied, "My child, you have chosen your own cross. It is the burden you already carry." ~Author Unknown~  

Self-Denial Definition: Sacrificing our own will or something we desire for the sake of God’s kingdom. When we love someone, we go out of our way for them, even if it’s uncomfortable for us. The same should be true for Christ.

Unique Selves, Unique Denial We are all different, so the things that are important to us will be, too. It doesn’t matter how much we give up, but the attitude we do it with. God knows our hearts even better than we do. If we give up one piece of candy out of love for Him, it means more than giving up all types of sweets for good.

Doctrine of the Cross We don’t have to look for opportunities to deny ourselves; many times life offers us crosses without any action on our end. Accepting daily hardships is a way to offer God even more love than going out of our way to deny ourselves. We all have daily crosses to offer up: annoying siblings, boring classes, headaches, etc.

Acceptance, Obedience, Love In the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday, Jesus accepted the cross in obedience to the Father, showing the true depth of his love. If we wish to imitate Jesus more perfectly, we should imitate his willingness to accept the Father’s plan. Denying our sinful ways allows us to live in Christ.

Suffering God gives us free will. Some of the sufferings we have, we bring upon ourselves by our choices. Some sufferings are given to us—such as an illness. These sufferings bring about a greater good if we unite ourselves with Jesus and his sufferings. Jesus suffered greatly. He accepted the Father’s will in his life, and was obedient unto death on the cross. Jesus gives us the example of accepting God’s will.

Why Penitence? We study for tests and train for races; our relationship with Christ should be no different. “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win.” -1 Cor 9:24

Living in the Spirit of Penance Penance (self-denial): receiving the Sacrament of Penance, accept our daily cross, offer prayers for our own good and the good of others Fasting and Abstinence: during the Penitential Season of Lent, additionally suggested for all Fridays Almsgiving: giving our resources to those in need Practicing the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy

Stations of the Cross Jesus is condemned to death. Jesus carries his Cross. Jesus falls the first time. Jesus meets his mother. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Jesus falls a second time. Jesus speaks to the women. Jesus falls a third time. Jesus is stripped of his garments. Jesus is nailed to the Cross. Jesus dies on the Cross. Jesus is taken down from the Cross. Jesus is placed in the tomb.

Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Spiritual Corporal Instruct the ignorant Counsel the doubtful Admonish sinners Bear wrongs patiently Forgive offenses willingly Comfort the afflicted Pray for the living and the dead Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Comfort the Sick Visit the imprisoned Bury the Dead