Last night I watched Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. Actually, I have seen the movie many times. Aside from love, hope, faith, and forgiveness this movie shows vividly how Christ carries his cross while being ridiculed, cursed, spat upon and was inflicted physical torments anyone would dare not to imagine. Jesus remained firm until to his ultimate stop for crucifixion. It was only at a later part of my life that I enabled to really understand Jesus Christ cross. It was not just chunks of lumber crossed-nailed together to serve as adornment for His sufferings on His way up to the hill. The cross stands for trials. We have our own cross to carry in our life, and it is up to us how we will face the reality to take the burden. Carrying our own cross is not a fantasy we can just skip and vanquish; it is sufferings, discomfort, aloneness, miseries that God allowed to happen for a reason. I have encountered so many difficulties and there was a point in my life, I asked God why I have to bear the weight of my cross. I am not as strong as Him. I am not good. I am human. I complained too much. However, when I think how Jesus went through his own ordeal carrying his cross to be executed like a criminal, I felt a prick in my heart, and I realized how fortunate I am. Jesus performs great miracles but He left his being God in one corner to carry his cross as a human, as flesh and bone like me. It could have been easier, less agonizing for Him; instead He writhed and cried out in pain to bear the anguish of his cross to the very end. How could I have been a whiner when it was me who put Him on the cross? It was my sins that put Him there. From here on, I am taught to carry my cross. It is real as Jesus Christ experienced it. God at times put me to the test to make me stronger and find hope amidst the darkness. The cross is a symbol that reminds me that tribulations can be overcome. I know the cross I carry in my life is not heavier than I can bear and along the way as I sustain it on my shoulder my faith is challenged. I may lose my balance and stumble, at times slightly and at times real hard. Even so, each time I fall and do not know if ever I could get up again and God’s face is nowhere to be seen,I will trust under the shadow of His wings.
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trials; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
(James 1:12)
