reminds us of the outcome of the cross.  Suffering brings about transformation when we carry the cross like true disciples of Jesus.Each of us has a cross to carry.  We must all identify our crosses and carry them with patience, joy and love.  Why complain about something which is our means to gain eternal life?

As Thomas a' Kempis reminds us, "The cross, therefore, is always ready; it awaits you everywhere. No matter where you may go, you cannot escape it, for wherever you go you take yourself with you and shall always find yourself.  Turn where you will -- above, below, without, or within -- you will find a cross in everything, and everywhere you must have patience if you would have peace within and merit an eternal crown."

"If you carry the cross willingly, it will carry and lead you to the desired goal where indeed there shall be no more suffering, but here there shall be. If you carry it unwillingly, you create a burden for yourself and increase the load, though still you have to bear it. If you cast away one cross, you will find another and perhaps a heavier one" (The Imitation of Christ, Book II, chapter 12).

"And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them,  and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (Mark 9: 2-3).

The transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor tells us that the glory of the resurrection will only take place through the sufferings of Good Friday. The transfiguration of Jesus teaches us that the experience of the cross is necessary in order for Easter to take place. 

However, too many of our contemporaries are like those who stood at the foot of the Cross and cried out to Jesus that he should come down from the Cross.  Many would like to have a Christianity without self-denial, discipline and renunciation.  However, Christianity without the Cross is not Christianity at all. 

What is your cross?  Maybe you have many crosses to carry.  How do you carry your cross?  Do you complain?  Are you discouraged?  Do you run away from the cross? There is only one way to carry your cross. 

Carry your cross with generosity.  Carry your cross with patience, love and joy.  See in your cross your sanctification, your eternal salvation.  Understand that with your cross, united to the cross of Jesus, you have a continual opportunity to save souls and make reparation for so many sins.

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Acknowledgments: http://www.sermonillustrations.com/

Father James Farfaglia is the Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, TX.  Click here http://fatherjames.org/ and listen to Father's Sunday homilies.  Visit Father on the web and check out his book Get Serious - A Survival Guide for Serious Catholics, an inspirational and easy to follow guide for living a deeper spiritual life.  Father's new book is an excellent Lenten addition for anyone who seeks to grow in holiness.