Experiencing Sorrow while Spreading the Joy

Pope Benedict XVI said, “The Way of the Cross…is a school for the examination of the conscience, for conversion, for inner transformation and compassion-not as sentimentality, as mere feeling, but as a disturbing experience that knocks on the door of my heart, that obliges me to know myself and to become a better person.”

During the Lenten Season, we have each walked The Way of the Cross. We moved with deliberation in almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. 

In almsgiving, we have provided our faith community with our time and talents. From serving those in need, to sharing tables, donating goods, preparing the meals, setting up the hall, or even just greeting those that came. 

How many other ways during this Lent have you dropped everything to be there in serving and the joy within that you experience?

That joy is a gift from our Father.

We can agree gratitude is not in material things but in the sheer joy of watching a smile on someone or talking with them and sharing a joke. The laughter that resonates through the hall brings smiles to others.

It is the Way of the Cross.

At St Stephen’s a quaint Catholic Church there is a gentleman who, after every daily Mass stands outside, much like a greeter. As each participant of daily Mass leaves, there is an exchange and a smile as we proceed down the stairs. It’s like a choreographic dance. With each step forward he acknowledges not only good wishes but says “bless this day; God is good”. 

I look forward to daily Mass just to be greeted by this gentleman, and be reminded to have a beautiful day. This is his Way of the Cross.

This Lent, we have taken the time to be there in someone else’s journey – to briefly be their Simon. Simon gave a brief rest to Jesus as he made his way in lifting this very heavy wooden cross. However brief their encounter, this provided Jesus the strength to continue. 

Despite your own, possibly brief experience with another, never underestimate how that moment you lifted someone’s cross. You gave them hope.

As Pope Benedict XVI noted in The Way of the Cross “…is a school for the examination of the conscience, for conversion, for inner transformation…” 

One of the most supporting pillars of Lent is prayer. Lent is a time in our faith that we contemplated the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ. We looked deeply into the conversion of our hearts into our actions. We examined our conscience not just in preparing for reconciliation but during the day. This examination brings about a true conversion as you get closer to your relationship with God.

Prayer is that private conversation with God. Anytime and anywhere. You could have been on one of the MCCW Retreats and prayed together in a group with your sister in Christ. Maybe it was on a drive to or from school pick-ups. Perhaps it could have been as you were showering and preparing for your day to begin or end. Prayer could also have been a quiet moment in the aisle of the Commissary, as you simply stopped and focused on His name as you deeply breathed in and out. 

Jesus reminds us that we pray for the unity of all believers; pray for God’s will and pray for the forgiveness of those who caused His suffering.

As we continue to journey in our Lenten time know that every step that you take brings you closer and closer to God. There will be moments that we are reminded that Jesus fell on his journey; we will have those moments in which we stumble and fall. Yet, every time we do, we have the chance to come closer to God by reaching out to Him. 

Did you know that Lent in the old English word meant lengthen? Continue your Lenten journey during the year with almsgiving, fasting, and prayer! 

Remember to be the Simon for someone that needs that extra lift of their cross.

You have prepared well my sisters in faith as believers in the Easter of our Church. You have set aside time to serve God’s people and to build a sound foundation of our faith for all you have met. From Ash Wednesday to sundown on Holy Thursday you have to Walk the Way of the Cross.

Soon we will see the familiar signs of the holy water, and the altar adorned with flowers but most of all we will hear “hallelujah”. 

In just a few short weeks, we will hear, “Hallelujah Christ is Risen!”

For now, though, we must continue to walk the Way of the Cross – as an individual woman, and as part of a community of believers.

Stay the course and pray the course.

 

In Christ,

Bernadette

Director at Large for Evangelization

To pray the MCCW Signature Program, “The Military Way of the Cross” this Lent, simply click here for the downloadable pdf.