Those who are praying the most, loving the most, trying to walk straight the most, are, in turn, suffering the most. Why?
November 24, 2015 A.D.
As the darkness of the world continues to increase and the attacks on our Christian faith grows stronger and stronger, the sufferings and trials of Our Lady’s apostles seem to increase and grow stronger as well.
Walking up the rocky path while praying the Stations of the Cross, reaching the top and kneeling at the foot of the Cross to lay your heart bare before Jesus and Mary, and then finding a quiet spot away from everyone else, like this woman has done, to reflect on your own sufferings and crosses, allows Jesus and Mary to fill your heart with the graces of acceptance, healing and peace. This profound experience awaits each pilgrim on the top of Cross Mountain.
A Friend of Medjugorje speaks about this in his short book, “I Don’t Like my Cross,” bringing a greater understanding of the transforming graces that we can receive from our crosses.
“We hear from many from all walks of life, and the pattern is that those who are praying the most, loving the most, trying to walk straight the most, are, in turn, suffering the most. Why? Because sanctification means to unite ourselves with Christ and to be transformed in him, and in order for that to happen, we must trace His life. Jesus Himself leads us on this path to follow Him.
Matthew 16:24
Therefore, there is no other way. It is necessary to, lovingly and without complaining, embrace your suffering by taking “one’s” own cross. Jesus said take up “your cross,” not His.”
Medjugorje visionary, Mirjana gave a talk in Medjugorje to a group of young people on August 5, 2015. The following is an excerpt from her talk where she speaks of the importance of accepting the crosses that are given to us:
“…And to follow Him is not easy. Because whoever follows Jesus, he carries the cross. Some carry smaller crosses, some bigger crosses. You will never get a cross that you will not be able to carry. The true faithful follower of Jesus is going to say thank you when he receives the cross. If I am not able to do that and I say, “Do not leave me alone with this cross,” then the one who has not gotten to know the love of God will say, “Why not? The symbol of your faith is the Cross. If you are not ready and prepared to carry that cross, that will mean that you did not get to know the love of God yet.” You, young people, you should be the fruits in this world. Be the fruits of Medjugorje. Show what Mother is asking and requiring of us. Show what it means to love Jesus, what it means to follow Jesus…”
In Prayer for All Those Carrying Their Cross,
Medjugorje.com
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