How can we ever truly know and understand the true weight of the cross? We can’t. But life can, and will, give us glimpses of that weight. I’ve felt some of that weight. I’ve looked over at Christ, bloody and bruised, as I’ve helped Him carry that cross. Feeling the weight and the pain of that cross. But Christ carried it for love of me. Can’t I help Him, even if in a very small way? Can’t I offer up the suffering I receive to help Him carry the cross upon which He died to save me? He looks at me with love. He doesn’t ask for help; He does all of it with love.
He’s exhausted, He’s in pain, and He stumbles; the weight of the cross is too much. It comes crashing down upon both of us. The weight of it seems unbearable to me. I cry out and I ask, “Why me? Why must I go through this pain?” But I stop and look over to Him, He stays silent. He doesn’t complain as He gets back up again. His bloodied hands now covered with dirt. He’s ready, ever so ready to pick up that cross again and carry it for love of me. To die to save me.
We’ve all carried or carry a cross in our lives. Sometimes we don’t know how long we will have to carry that cross. But no matter how heavy that cross is, know that Christ is helping you carry it. And you can also offer up any and all suffering you’re going through and unite it to Christ’s passion. Remember His love for you. When you think of that weight weighing heavy on you, remember that Christ is right next to you. He’s looking at you with love and is there no matter what happens. This week, reflect on Christ carrying that cross and dying on it for love of you.