Talking about the cross in our time seems like a strange thing in some people’s ears. The thing is that the world is promoting other values that move us away from God. Suffering (in the sense of assuming our responsibilities as faithful or Christians and accepting to deny ourselves for others) has become anti-value for the world. And several times, we are suggested to look for the easiest life and not to be worried about those who are in need. Why has the commitment to carry our cross become a difficult discourse nowadays? Is it something unrelated to our daily life? The answer comes from Jesus: « Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. » (Mt 16, 24). Here, Jesus highlights two aspects: will and sacrifice or self-denial. As the followers of Jesus, we are called to show others that we are proud of assuming our responsibilities and choices by accepting even to suffer for other’s sake. However, we have to know that this recommendation of Jesus does not concern only Christians but also all the people of good will. Therefore, every person can follow Jesus by expressing his/her will and sense of sacrifice for others. Now let’s see how the cross can be a place where we find Christ and the fullness of our life.
1. Carrying our cross: Assuming our responsibilities
The cross is a sign of fellowship and love toward God. It clings us to Jesus-Christ. However, as mentioned above, bearing our cross by following Jesus is not something which can be unrelated to our daily life or diminish our personality. Instead, it helps us to grow in all dimensions of life. Oftentimes, we neglect doing what we are called to do, thinking that it will be done by others. This is what diminishes us. The first responsibility we have is to serve, bring forth, and protect Life. When we decide to commit ourselves to serving others, we have understood that love cannot be replaced by hatred.
2. The cross: a sign of unity and testimony
The sacrifice or self-denial is indispensable value that testifies our Christian maturity. We contemplate Jesus-Christ with awe and honor because He really showed us that the sacrifice done for others can never scatter those people we are serving, but rather it gathers them as one people: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (Jn 12, 32). In this score, we understand that Jesus' cross is a sign that unifies all of us despite our religious backgrounds or diversities. Moreover, the cross, instead of being a sign of curse, it becomes a venue where we manifest to the world our firm conviction of following Jesus. This latter includes the act of sacrifice which expresses our witness to the World. In this line, we understand that Jesus, who has saved us through his sacrifice, was not losing his time. That is why, after having been drawn to himself (cf. Jn 12, 32), some have experienced and discovered that the only thing that can save the world, is the Love manifested on the cross. Then, as Christians, we are always called to love even when we have to suffer for others. This is the beauty of Christian life.
In fine, Christian life is devoid of sense if there is no self-denial. It is our obligation to protect, take care, and save our life and that of others through sacrifice. Although it is not easy, it does not mean that we are allowed to reduce the length of our cross or our daily responsibilities. Assuming our responsibilities with endurance means to walk, journey, and collaborate with Christ through this way of carrying our cross in our mission. In so doing, we will be able to reach the fullness of our life that we look for in Jesus Christ.
