Lenten Special: The Cross To Carry

We entered into the Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday. Once again, we are reminded of our fallen nature, of sin and our sinfulness, of the need for conversion, transformation and renewal. Meanwhile, we are also to re-live how the great love of God is displayed for us through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

For this year’s Lenten Season, I want to suggest that we focus on the Cross of Christ. We see the Cross in our Churches, we wear them, we bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross, and so on. There are many ways we encounter Christ’s Cross which also can be in the spiritual sense the trials, the pro le s and su erings, or any challenging situation that we encounter, these are the Cross for us. So, during this Lenten Season, let us consider what is the meaning of the Cross for us in the personal way? How can the Cross of Christ inspire us to change our ways and become not only an ordinary person but a godly person, a ore Christ-li e et, loo ing at the Cross is not only a out thin ing or re ecting hat is it a out ather, the Cross urges action actions that can manifest God’s reign and presence in each one of us.

To make this Lenten Season fruitful, I want to suggest actions to e done inspired y the ord Cross first, C Change of life in the area of habits. We know we have habits, some good and unfortunately some bad. This Lenten Season seriously consider to get rid of oneself of the bad habits; the bad habits of bad words, the bad of habit of eating without praying. Any bad habit must be replaced with a good habit. So that the change can be a transformation not a deterioration. We continue to live with the bad habits, this will be for deterioration. Do not let that happen to you and I, dear reader.

econd eparation illingly doing the acts of penances as acts of reparation for one’s sins and the sins of others. Reparation is our ay of uniting our hu an e orts ith the or of Christ s rede ption and His merits; so that, being in unity with Him, we are not only cleansed from sins; but especially also, connected and anchored in God, the Heavenly Father, in Christ and with the Holy Spirit in us. Our acts of reparation will be our way to make of ourselves like a Mosaic masterpiece; though from broken pieces, yet now can be a whole new masterpiece displaying the wonder of God’s action in our lives.

hird, ering o ering an e tra good action during this Lenten Season. We know we do good deeds during the day; like we usual prayer, our usual works for our family, or the good works of being cordial and respectful to others during the day. But I want us to consider to illingly choose a good deed to e done for others An e tra praying of the Rosary for someone’s intention, or praying the Stations of the Cross for such intention, or volunteering at some charity work, et cetera. ering an e tra good deed ill not only sanctify us a ing us pleasing to God, but also we will be instruments of God’s love and care for others.

ourth, criptures read the criptures daily during this Lent. Maybe you already have the habit of reading the bible, but I want us to focus on the Passion narratives, there y, editating and re ecting on them, we may have new insights to improve our daily life, our conduct, our prayer life, our friendship with Jesus.

ifth, u ering ith patience ach day there are any challenges that we encounter, there are many situations that truly try our resolve to be good, kind, and godly person. But often times, we do not act or react to these challenges with faith and love of God. Let us always remind ourselves of God’s patience towards us. Christ’s patience must eco e our patience u ering co es in any ays, so let us e patient ith the here is no one ho has no su ering or trou le hatever cross that comes our way, let us be patient and carry it through willingly. or hen e ill to su er or accept trou les deli erately, it can e source of blessings. May we live out the C.R.O.S.S. during this Lenten Season and beyond to make our life meaningful and blessed. Amen.