Today first reading for the feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross is one of the clearest expressions of the way Paul learned to deal with the crosses that were placed upon his shoulders throughout his life ... especially in those later years when he took on the world.
Paul's words indicate that for him suffering is a key that opened his heart to receive the graces of Jesus and to deepened his faith in the Son of God.
"The wisdom of the cross" was Paul's favorite way of teaching that our embracing in faith the crosses that have come our way is how we grow in a knowledge of ourselves and our Savior. For Paul this is true maturity: facing our crosses and embracing them in faith by allow Jesus to strengthen and transform us through them.
This all brings to mind the suffering and pain a family I know well is enduring today. A daughter in her mid-twenties has finally realized that she needs to have professional assistance in overcoming an addiction to alcohol. Later today her parents are driving her to Father Martin's Ashley a wonderful rehab place outside of Baltimore. Please remember "Marie" in your prayers as she faces her cross in the days ahead.
Let us all prayer for one another. We each have our crosses to bear. But, following Paul, we can lift high the cross that is reminder of our salvation.
