Cross-bearers
There is ample evidence that Christianity distinguishes itself from other religions as the true religion revealed by God because it is the only one that promises suffering if one becomes a follower of its Founder.
How is it possible, then, for Christ to continue to have followers all over the world?
Because it is the only religion that is built on and sustained by love.
Not by compulsion, obedience to a set of rules, promises of earthly prosperity or superficial happiness, or as a means of escaping suffering.
Christians alone are the “Cross-Bearers”, the ones who follow Christ out of love, even to their death.
If Christians then, choose to emulate Jesus, they are promised tears and difficulties of every kind.
Ben Sira, the author of the Book of Sirach in the Old Testament, did not hide this fact, even in the context of Judaism, (the foundation and origin of Christianity):
“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity” (Sir 2:1-2).
Jesus also told His disciples, (the new followers of “The Way”), “If anyone wants to come after Me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me” (Mt 16:24).
That means, to love God, the Christian must drop his greed for empty pleasures or power, and pick up the cross–not of self-affliction, but of self-sacrifice–for the sake of the One who loves him.
The strength of God, not men
How does one leave his selfishness behind? It is a constant struggle.
He must first long for the truth.
Only then will he be ready to accept the love of God and the crosses that come with it, because it is with the strength of God, not men, that he begins to carry out the tasks God has entrusted to him.
The task of the Christian
As God’s chosen instrument, the more that is given, the more is expected of him (Luke 12:48).
The Christian’s task in life is to find out what God wants of him, and devote his life to doing it well.
Always, it will come with a great peace and joy. And always, it will come with great crosses (difficulties, sacrifices).
The joy is in the task, the cross is in carrying it out with love.
“Boast” in the cross?
St. Paul takes it a step further, saying we must glory in the cross:
“But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).
Paul is not boasting of his own accomplishments, but of what God is doing through his efforts and difficulties.
In Christianity, Christians have a secret: They know Christ is with them and in them, as Isaiah wrote, “Truly, God is my salvation, I trust, I shall not fear. For the Lord is my strength, my song” (Isa 12).
May the great North American Martyrs, saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues and their companions, pray for us on their feast day.
