the Lord 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).

"Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.  While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem" (Luke 9: 28 - 31).

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. 

Father James Farfaglia is a contributing writer for Catholic Online and author of Get Serious! - A Survival Guide for Serious Catholics.  You can visit him on the web at www.fatherjames.org.  Apps for Father James' homily are now available for Android and iPhone.
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Acknowledgements:
http://www.sermonillustrations.com


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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Year of Faith, Sunday homily, homily, homilies, Lent, Father James Farfaglia, suffering, meaning, cross, conversion, transformation

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