The Carrying of the Cross Week 4, Day 1: The Journey of Life's Sufferings As we embark on the fourth week of our Lenten journey, our reflections bring us to the Carrying of the Cross. This sorrowful mystery invites us to meditate on the journey of life's sufferings and the manner in which we carry our own crosses, following in the footsteps of Christ. Scripture: Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" In this call to discipleship, Jesus outlines the path to true life and salvation—a path that involves self-denial and the willingness to embrace suffering as a means of union with Him. Reflection The journey of carrying our crosses is not merely about enduring pain but about how we engage with the suffering inherent in our human condition. It's a journey that tests our faith, refines our character, and deepens our dependence on God. Like Simon of Cyrene, who wa...
The dawning of a Great light... As we celebrate the Christmas season, we are invited to reflect on the profound impact of Christ's coming into a world shrouded in darkness. His birth, as foretold in Isaiah 9:2-7, is the dawning of a great light in the midst of darkness, symbolizing hope, joy, and the promise of salvation. Christ’s coming, as described in the Gospels, particularly in Luke 2:1-14, 15-20, marks the fulfillment of God's plan to bring His presence into the very heart of our human experiences. The humility of Jesus' birth in a manger in Bethlehem is a profound statement of God's love and closeness to humanity. This divine closeness brings light to the darkness of our world, offering hope and new life where there was despair and death. Paul, in his letter to Titus (2:11-14), highlights the transformative power of Christ's coming. The grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled...