On this first day after Ash Wednesday during the beginning days of the holy season of Lent, we hear about the cross, about Jesus’ journey to the cross. But we also hear about the resurrection, as Jesus states that he will be raised on the third day. Ash Wednesday is always a popular day with the Catholic faithful. We here in Mississippi complete our Mardi Gras celebration and then come to church to receive ashes on our foreheads as a public recognition of our desire to repent and renew our lives. The Ash Wednesday Masses are full of the faithful, as the message of Ash Wednesday speaks very profoundly to us on our journey. The work of Lent now begins for us, as Jesus does not just describe his journey to his cross and his resurrection, but he tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him.
We all have our crosses to carry in life. I think of those who are trying to battle addictions to drugs and alcohol. I remember that when I worked in Canada with many street people who were trying to battle a heroin addiction. I cannot imagine a more horrible cross to carry through life. Following Christ and carrying our crosses is not just an idea or an ideal. It is a reality. Often a harsh reality. It is something we need to confront and focus on in our journey of faith. Today, at the beginning of Lent, we might ask ourselves what it really means to carry our crosses and to follow Christ.
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