Be Nailed to Your Cross

I saw a multitude of souls crucified like Him. Then I saw a second multitude of souls, and a third. The second multitude were not nailed to [their] crosses, but were holding them firmly in their hands. The third were neither nailed to [their] crosses nor holding them firmly in their hands, but were dragging [their] crosses behind them and were discontent. Jesus then said to me,

“Do you see these souls? Those who are like Me in the pain and contempt they suffer will be like Me also in glory. And those who resemble Me less in pain and contempt will also bear less resemblance to Me in glory” (Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 446).

My spiritual director mentioned recently that he frequently recommends not to choose something to sacrifice for Lent, but rather take that time to identify and embrace the crosses God has given them. Certainly God, in His infinite wisdom, knows best which crosses will bear the most spiritual fruit in our lives. The spiritual exercise of coming to know and accept those crosses brings us to a place of humility and wisdom, a greater understanding of God's calling in our life.

Looking for crosses, though, may be mistaken for pessimism. Surely, one objects, if we focus our time on identifying the places where we suffer (or are called to suffer), we risk falling into despair and failing to appreciate the multitude of blessings we receive. What can be gained by concentrating on pain? The answer lies in the extent to which we can join our suffering to Christ's. 

Suffering is used to rid us of our selfishness and pride. Consider for a moment the many irritations encountered in a typical week. Traffic, scheduling, the annoying habits of others - these things grate on us. Maybe we respond by dragging our cross, hoping to pass it off soon by venting to a sympathetic ear. Maybe we hold firmly to the cross, resolving not to show any frustration and to accept all things with a stiff upper lip. There is another way. As each frustration comes our way, we might simply acknowledge our suffering - mild though it is - and intentionally offer it to God. We do not demand control of our cross, but humbly allow ourselves to be nailed to it.

In this way, seeking to be mindful of our crosses does not become a depressing activity but rather a liberating one. We are not resentful of a cross imposed on us, nor determined to carry it by our own merit. Rather, we draw closer to Christ, becoming more like Him. In freely offering our suffering to God, we submit our sinful selves to the death of the cross. Since those who more closely resemble Christ in His suffering will also more closely resemble Him in glory, what blessed sufferings these are! What was once only a source of irritation and perhaps a temptation to the sin of despair becomes instead an occasion of praise and thanksgiving to the God who so carefully guides us on our spiritual journey.

As we grow in the practice of identifying our crosses, God may also use them to show us our mission. In offering our suffering to God, we serve Him. We take this service further when we accept our suffering on behalf of others. Perhaps there is a recurring problem in your family, parish, or larger community. Every time it rears its head, you offer your frustration to God. As you grow closer to Him, you may discern a call to address this need. God asks you to go beyond offering your suffering and surrender your time and abilities as well. In growing closer to God, you are better able to hear His voice and do His work.

None of us lives a life free of suffering, whether major or minor. Regardless of circumstance, we are presented with opportunities daily to unite our sufferings with that of Christ. May God give us the grace to humbly submit ourselves to the crosses we encounter and so grow more deeply in love with Him.