+JMJ
“Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love.” (St. Gianna)
From the time the Passion of Our Lord began in the Garden of Gethsemane, His strength was slowly drained with each new torture: the wounds to the flesh which taxed his vigor; the wounds to the heart which agonized his sensitive soul. Why was it, that if one small drop of the Savior's blood could have redeemed mankind, did he accept the added burdens which made His "soul sorrowful even unto death?" It is because His longing for us is so ardent, His love for us so consuming, that only the gift of His entire being could satisfy His desire.
Though his stamina was strained to its limit, and his heart yearned to be consoled, He did not return insults to those who mocked him—courageously choosing silence—nor spurn those who needed him—giving comfort to the women on the way, providing hope to the penitent thief. He was patient though he was violently abused. He was faithful though He was betrayed. He consoled though he was rejected. He was merciful though now mercy was shown Him.
In carrying the cross, one is tempted to retreat into solitude; resenting requests when his endurance is already spent. Yet Our Lord tell His disciples,"Take up your cross and follow me." One cannot remain in the same place with his burden. The call is to go forth with the cross; for He expects one to not only carry the load, but to do so while patiently helping others to carry theirs as well. It is love that allowed Him to persevere and it is love that will allow His disciples to endure as well. Not a passing feeling of passion but an intentional decision of love. A love which girds one's strength allowing him to understand that the extra demands on his soul are necessary to avoid self-pity and prompt a heroic and total gift of self.
