Many times during Holy Week, I think about the way and the weight of the cross that Jesus bore to Calvary. Not only was it a monstrous thing – heavy and cumbersome. But Our Lord had been beaten, scourged, starved, and was being forced to carry it despite his physical state. The weight of the cross was compounded by our Lord’s increasing physical fragility. And as for the way of the cross, well, there was no easy path, no downhill slide. Just a labored, agonizing plod uphill punctuated by horrible falls.

Our illnesses serve as crosses, too, and our journeys with them are, as we too-well know, not easy, either. Yet, this week makes carrying my burden, my cross, more meaningful to me, because I am reminded vividly again of how much Jesus suffered for me – and for you – in these last days of his life on earth. Knowing how much he loved me – and you – makes complaining seem trivial and anger toward suffering completely childish.

In fact, my burden, my cross, becomes easier to bear as I approach Easter, although the symptoms and ongoing troubles persist.

I hope you may find your burden eased by what we focus on this Holy Week, too. And I hope for myself – and for you – that I do not forget the significance of these days as Easter dawns and the days and months move ahead.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen