Ready to Climb

Here we are on the cusp of Holy Week. We are called to walk the Way of the Cross with Our Lord in a special way next week. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the Stations of the Cross and to work on bearing our daily crosses with Christ-like fortitude.

Are there ways to accompany Jesus to Calvary in the days to come? Is there someone who needs me to “stay awake” with them? How can I demonstrate more trust in the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness? 

Pray for courage to work for justice in our world. Ask forgiveness of a family member or friend that you abandoned in his hour of need. Offer up physical discomfort and ask for the grace to see the face of Jesus in every person you meet. Visit a lonely neighbor or a family member feeling isolated. Be generous with kind words and loving gestures. Comfort the grief-stricken. Thank our mother Mary for standing by her Son at the foot of the cross. Reach out to someone who especially needs friendship and support this week.

Be like Simon of Cyrene and help someone carry a physical or emotional burden. Like the Good Thief, profess your faith and hope in Jesus. Don’t forget to strap on your sturdiest virtual hiking boots and strive in your heart and prayers to reach the summit of Calvary. 

Jesus opened the gates of heaven for us by his death and resurrection. Am I prepared to endure the climb to follow him there? The road to the finish line is not a downhill one, but uphill to the end. Praying the way of the cross is not just a Lenten meditation, but the road we should travel every day to live a Christ-centered life. 

My Stations of the Cross takeaways:

Do not fear but trust in the Father.

Forgive those who hurt you and keep on forgiving.

Be there for others even when you are hurting.

Show compassion always.

Accept help along the way.

Model love in all you do.

Focus on the big picture.

You will stumble but get back on track.

Live your life with the goal of heaven before you.

Just as Jesus walked in faith the road to Calvary, so must we.

May our Lord’s Passion be our passion.