Well I'm a bit late with this post, but nonetheless here it is. Today, the Church recognizes the feast of St. John of the Cross, who was known for his great emphasis on embracing suffering and uniting it to the cross of Jesus. Suffering is a reality of life, whether we choose to face it or not. St. John understood that the only way to overcome suffering is to embrace it. Only by seeing suffering as a way of drawing closer to Christ can we find meaning in suffering.
As we approach this Christmas season, we certainly do so with a spirit of joy and hope. However, it is always worth bearing in mind that's Christ's coming, while it is a source of great joy, will also lead to great suffering, for Jesus comes to die for us; it is only by His death on the cross that Jesus sets us free. Joy and suffering are therefore not always mutually exclusive. Christ alone, by His coming, shows us how to embrace suffering and find joy in the midst of it. Only when we are willing to suffer for Christ can we find great joy.
Our lives do not altogether stop for Christmas. There could be many things in our life that cause us suffering. The coming of Christ is the only thing that can give us hope and joy in the midst of that suffering. That doesn't mean we deny or negate the reality of suffering in our life; but it does mean that we can find meaning in it, if we allow Jesus to show us how. This year, when suffering comes your way, do not just ignore it or let it defeat you but rather invite Jesus into your suffering. Let Him carry your cross with you. He comes this Christmas to set you free, but only through the Cross. Do not run from that Cross, for that is the source of all our joy.
Pax Vobiscum
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