Bearing the Cross

[cheezey]

At what point in our earthly lives does bearing the cross become something even Jesus wouldn’t want us to suffer? How do we know what our cross is versus something else?
Please help me to better understand. Hopefully, I conveyed my question accurately, too.

 

[suezette]

Am not exactly answering, but just equally confused. I believe Jesus came into this world and died for our sins. I don’t think he wants us to suffer that why some where in the Bible it says we should turn to him we who are heavy laden,his york is lighter; some thing like that (am not good at quoting the Bible). However, one priest once told us not to fear suffering, he said suffering could imply that we are helping Jesus with the cross. But honestly! sometime it is too much and instead seems like a punishment.

 

[Aussieman88]

I am not an apologist but this is what I think. Jesus does say take up your cross and follow me. I don’t for one moment think he meant diseases and such. If we concentrate on the new testament there are many many places that let us know what Gods will for us is. Jesus himself said that he came so that you may have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to have divine health and abundant finances.

Anyone who stands out from the norm and lives a holy life will be targeted by those ruled by evil. I believe this is the cross we should take up and is the cross he’s talking about. Jesus was perfect he didn’t have any diseases yet he took up the cross pressed upon him by evil. They will and do come against us and make our life very difficult at times and after we worry and fret about it we have to remember to trust in God and give Jesus our stress, worry and anxiety. The peace of the Holy Spirit is there for us if we just allow it dominion inside us.

Jesus wants us to go out and lay hands on the sick and they will be healed. Sickness robbs us of life. That’s the devils job. To cheat and steal and kill. That’s not Gods WILL for us.

However, having said that. God in his glory can make any situation work for himself. He will bring good out of any sickness accident or injury in some way shape or form. Although most times we would have no idea what or to whom it happens.

Justin.

 

[cheezey]

All I know is that I am tired. It is too much. It is nothing compared to what He gave, this I know. I do not think that this is my Cross, but I do not know and probably never will. It does not matter in that whatever it is, I am not up to it. Do not know how to reconcile that.

 

[the_phoenix]

A quote from St. Padre Pio, a victim soul, from the letters he wrote:

“I am afraid I shall bleed to death if the Lord does not hear my heartfelt supplication to relieve me of this condition [his stigmata]”

padrepiosworld.com/page19.php

Keeping in mind that this man who suffered so much founded a hospital called “Home for the Relief of Suffering,” and made the hospital as beautiful and comfortable as possible to best help the sick on all levels.

For Padre Pio, it was perfectly acceptable to both offer up your suffering, while at the same time praying for relief from that very same suffering.

May God bless you and heal you.

 

[Zekariya]

At what point in our earthly lives does bearing the cross become something even Jesus wouldn’t want us to suffer? How do we know what our cross is versus something else?
Please help me to better understand. Hopefully, I conveyed my question accurately, too.

Bearing your cross mean bearing your cross. We all have different crosses to bear. If Jesus did not want you to bear it, he would relieve you from it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

[empantarhei]

Bearing your cross mean bearing your cross. We all have different crosses to bear. If Jesus did not want you to bear it, he would relieve you from it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Yes, we should most gladly boast our infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon us. His grace is indeed sufficient. It takes strength to boast, does it not?
What if that strength is gone? And is every burden a Cross? And I mean burden as it would be reasonably accepted as such by the masses.

 

[fred_conty]

The cross Jesus is talking about is our normal everyday problems we deal with. Each person has a life with particular troubles and setbacks. Some do poor in school, work, finance, memory, family, faith, health. That is the cross we have, the weaknesses we struggle with.

However we as humans are always looking at the grass which is greener on the other side of the fence. We envy their strengths but don’t see their falls.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Just a thought.

 

[FCEGM]

I am not an apologist but this is what I think. Jesus does say take up your cross and follow me. I don’t for one moment think he meant diseases and such. If we concentrate on the new testament there are many many places that let us know what Gods will for us is. Jesus himself said that he came so that you may have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to have divine health and abundant finances.

Anyone who stands out from the norm and lives a holy life will be targeted by those ruled by evil. I believe this is the cross we should take up and is the cross he’s talking about. Jesus was perfect he didn’t have any diseases yet he took up the cross pressed upon him by evil. They will and do come against us and make our life very difficult at times and after we worry and fret about it we have to remember to trust in God and give Jesus our stress, worry and anxiety. The peace of the Holy Spirit is there for us if we just allow it dominion inside us.

Jesus wants us to go out and lay hands on the sick and they will be healed. Sickness robbs us of life. That’s the devils job. To cheat and steal and kill. That’s not Gods WILL for us.

However, having said that. God in his glory can make any situation work for himself. He will bring good out of any sickness accident or injury in some way shape or form. Although most times we would have no idea what or to whom it happens.

Justin.

What you present is very much the false “health and wealth gospel”:

catholic.com/magazine/articles/health-and-wealth%E2%80%94or-the-cross

 

[empantarhei]

**The cross Jesus is talking about is our normal everyday problems we deal with. ** Each person has a life with particular troubles and setbacks. Some do poor in school, work, finance, memory, family, faith, health. That is the cross we have, the weaknesses we struggle with.

However we as humans are always looking at the grass which is greener on the other side of the fence. We envy their strengths but don’t see their falls.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Just a thought.

This makes sense. So what of the burdens of overwhelming nature? Those that challenge one’s sense of what to acknowledge as a cross and what to acknowledge as being too much, more than Jesus would ask us to endure? How can this to be discerned? Prayer at the very least, of course!

 

[FCEGM]

This makes sense. So what of the burdens of overwhelming nature? Those that challenge one’s sense of what to acknowledge as a cross and what to acknowledge as being too much, more than Jesus would ask us to endure? How can this to be discerned? Prayer at the very least, of course!

Yes. And consider that everything we suffer, whether well or poorly, is permitted by the Lord - nothing takes Him by surprise. Therefore, since He knows what we are suffering, the extent of it and the difficulty of it, I think it’s very helpful to take the present suffering as an instance of suffering FOR something/someone rather than a suffering BECAUSE of something/someone. IOW, in this present suffering I am invited, despite how weak I may be (physically, psychologically and/or spiritually) to offer it in union with the Passion of Christ for whatever Divine purpose He has in permitting this - permitting it for one’s own spiritual growth in maturity, or for the needs - particulary the salvation - of another.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

We often forget that all suffering is in some way related to sin, particularly the effects of original sin. We were created to never die or suffer. Unfortunately Adam and Eve ruined that for us and now we are all subject to death, sickness, suffering, mental health issues, and the effects of our sins and the sins of other people. Considering that after the Fall we were destined to eternal death and punishment until Jesus came and died for our sins so that we might have everlasting life, we’re getting off pretty light. Personally I’d rather suffer here than spend eternity suffering in Hell.

There is no cross given to us that that we cannot bear. When we are sent a cross, no matter how severe, we are also sent the graces to bear it, but we must also ask for those graces. All suffering we accept patiently, when in the state of grace, can be offered up to make reparation for our sins, and shorten our time in purgatory. It can also help us to grow in virtue if we use it properly. The best way to do this is by making a Morning Offering every morning offering up all our good works, joys, sufferings, etc for reparation for our sins, the sins of others, some special intention, etc.

Ideally we’re supposed to grow in a love for suffering, not for the sake of suffering, but in that it helps to conform us to Christ and to sanctify ourselves. St. Theresa of Avila said that those who do not have the spirit for suffering can renounce sanctity because they will never reach it. There are different degrees to advance in overcoming the horror of suffering.: acceptance of duties, voluntary mortification, preferring suffering to pleasure, and offering oneself as a victim → DISCLAIMER: Offering oneself should NEVER be permitted except to souls of whom the Holy Spirit asks it with a persistent and irresistable motion of grace, and is under the supervision of a good, prudent, competent, orthodox and holy spiritual director, and with his permission.

Aside from Christ, there is one exception to suffering and it’s relationship to sin. The Virgin Mary suffered more than anyone else, and did so in silence, despite having never committing a sin and being conceived immaculately without the effect of original sin. We have no right to complain about suffering after what she suffered.

 

[empantarhei]

We often forget that all suffering is in some way related to sin, particularly the effects of original sin. We were created to never die or suffer. Unfortunately Adam and Eve ruined that for us and now we are all subject to death, sickness, suffering, mental health issues, and the effects of our sins and the sins of other people. Considering that after the Fall we were destined to eternal death and punishment until Jesus came and died for our sins so that we might have everlasting life, we’re getting off pretty light. Personally I’d rather suffer here than spend eternity suffering in Hell.

As would I. But the suffering here is now and felt immensely. Only by experiencing Hell can we know the difference. Not that I am suggesting!!! I am just pointing out that, yes, of course it could be worse, to say the least! But without that comparison, some burdens are just seemingly unbearable. Is it possible that some of these burdens are not those of the Cross?

There is no cross given to us that that we cannot bear.

I wonder…

**When we are sent a cross, no matter how severe, we are also sent the graces to bear it, but we must also ask for those graces. ** All suffering we accept patiently, when in the state of grace, can be offered up to make reparation for our sins, and shorten our time in purgatory. It can also help us to grow in virtue if we use it properly. The best way to do this is by making a Morning Offering every morning offering up all our good works, joys, sufferings, etc for reparation for our sins, the sins of others, some special intention, etc.

Amen to this and thank you. Prayers again.

Ideally we’re supposed to grow in a love for suffering, not for the sake of suffering, but in that it helps to conform us to Christ and to sanctify ourselves. St. Theresa of Avila said that those who do not have the spirit for suffering can renounce sanctity because they will never reach it. There are different degrees to advance in overcoming the horror of suffering.: acceptance of duties, voluntary mortification, preferring suffering to pleasure, and offering oneself as a victim

The hurting do not wish to renounce sanctity necessarily. There are those without the spirit of suffering who still wish to serve Him, but are tapped of strength to do so. Is this not when He would carry them? They may pray and pray and do all they need to do; acceptance of duties, voluntary mortification, preferring suffering to pleasure, and offering oneself as a victim. Don’t we need to be carried at times?

Aside from Christ, there is one exception to suffering and it’s relationship to sin. The Virgin Mary suffered more than anyone else, and did so in silence, despite having never committing a sin and being conceived immaculately without the effect of original sin.We have no right to complain about suffering after what she suffered.

Amen to that. But we do. It is sometimes overwhelming and we just want to be carried sometimes. It doesn’t mean we won’t offer our sufferings ever again.

I am just trying to understand while there are so many overwhelmingly burdened people who are trying and trying and trying and for whom it is just sad. And those who are tired and just need a break, to gather some strength, and offer again…

 

[Edward_H]

We shouldn’t bear the Cross alone.

God wants us to bear the Cross so that we can be near Him…it’s a form of communion.

When you’re “tired all the time”…use those moments to talk with God, you Father, tenderly.

Complain to Him as a son or daughter might. It’s ok to complain to God, now and then as a child might.

God wants you to USE your tiredness to get closer to Him!! Isn’t that amazing and wonderful.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

The hurting do not wish to renounce sanctity necessarily. There are those without the spirit of suffering who still wish to serve Him, but are tapped of strength to do so. Is this not when He would carry them? They may pray and pray and do all they need to do; acceptance of duties, voluntary mortification, preferring suffering to pleasure, and offering oneself as a victim. Don’t we need to be carried at times?

Amen to that. But we do. It is sometimes overwhelming and we just want to be carried sometimes. It doesn’t mean we won’t offer our sufferings ever again.

I am just trying to understand while there are so many overwhelmingly burdened people who are trying and trying and trying and for whom it is just sad. And those who are tired and just need a break, to gather some strength, and offer again…

God knows our strengths better than we do. He wouldn’t give us suffering if he didn’t know we could handle it. As one priest said, God chastises those he loves the most (which is why he has so few friends, as St Teresa of Avile said).

 

[empantarhei]

God knows our strengths better than we do. He wouldn’t give us suffering if he didn’t know we could handle it. As one priest said, God chastises those he loves the most (which is why he has so few friends, as St Teresa of Avile said).

Some people do not handle it, however. And in many different ways. Some, unfortunately, choose to end their suffering hastily, which I am sure saddens Him. No?

 

[Lief_Erikson]

All I know is that I am tired. It is too much. It is nothing compared to what He gave, this I know. I do not think that this is my Cross, but I do not know and probably never will. It does not matter in that whatever it is, I am not up to it. Do not know how to reconcile that.

Perhaps Jesus felt similarly. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “If it be possible, take this cup from me, but not my will but your will be done.”

Is there any Catholic support group you might be able to turn to? Some people at your church? Maybe a priest?

It really can help to have some human (name removed by moderator)ut, face to face, a friend to support you during the trial. Christ can console us in that way, as well, especially if you give Him a chance by opening up to someone trustworthy around you.

We are the Body of Christ, all together, and Paul writes in the New Testament that when one part of the Body suffers, all parts suffer with it.

If you’re interested in corresponding with me, I would be glad to write with you. I could send you my email address over private message. I know I’m not a personal friend, just a long distance brother in Christ, but somebody is better than nobody. But by all means, I recommend finding someone you trust to share with, person to person.

 

[Lady_Love]

Suffering for the sake of justice, suffering that results from relieving the burden of another, suffering that is redemptive, suffering that results from living the truth, these are a few examples of the sufferings we must endure with joy.

But the suffering caused by believing a lie or living a lie is not the kind of suffering that God finds acceptable. This kind of suffering Jesus wants to relieve you of.

Be clear of this, God does not delight in our suffering, he delights in our virtue. When Jesus came He came to deliver us from sin and ALL ITS EFFECTS. He showed this through His healings. One disciple said to Jesus, “If you will it, I can be healed.” Jesus said, “I will it.”

It is the will of the Father that we be redeemed, restored and made whole. He desired to take on our weakness and give us His strength, to take on our sickness and give us His help. In today’s scripture it says, “Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who has touched me?”

This scripture proves that power leaves Him and enters us. Jesus is never lacking in power so we can abundantly draw from Him. We can take as much as we need from His infinite source…But it does make you wonder at how the “infinite source of power” was made weak by our sins…ponder that for a minute!..How great our debt must have been/is.

The cross we bear is that of charity. The burden is sweet.

 

[Edward_H]

Suffering for the sake of justice, suffering that results from relieving the burden of another, suffering that is redemptive, suffering that results from living the truth, these are a few examples of the sufferings we must endure with joy.

But the suffering caused by believing a lie or living a lie is not the kind of suffering that God finds acceptable. This kind of suffering Jesus wants to relieve you of.

Be clear of this, God does not delight in our suffering, he delights in our virtue. When Jesus came He came to deliver us from sin and ALL ITS EFFECTS. He showed this through His healings. One disciple said to Jesus, “If you will it, I can be healed.” Jesus said, “I will it.”

It is the will of the Father that we be redeemed, restored and made whole. He desired to take on our weakness and give us His strength, to take on our sickness and give us His help. In today’s scripture it says, “Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who has touched me?”

This scripture proves that power leaves Him and enters us. Jesus is never lacking in power so we can abundantly draw from Him. We can take as much as we need from His infinite source…But it does make you wonder at how the “infinite source of power” was made weak by our sins…ponder that for a minute!..How great our debt must have been/is.

The cross we bear is that of charity. The burden is sweet.

Very well said. Thank you.

 

[fred_conty]

All I know is that I am tired. It is too much. It is nothing compared to what He gave, this I know. I do not think that this is my Cross, but I do not know and probably never will. It does not matter in that whatever it is, I am not up to it. Do not know how to reconcile that.

Luke 11;13
“Therefore, if you, evil as you are, kow how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Good Spirit to those who ask him.”

Ask with trust in his words, truth itself, Jesus. Just tell him that he is truth and would not lie to you, and that you are trusting in his words to have the Good Spirit to help you in your hour of need. If you really rely on his words and without a doubt trust in his words, he will do it for you, send you the Good Spirit. Say this and know with certainty that he will will make it happen. That is the answer. The reason you will find your answer is because he said so, he will give you the Good Spirit if you ask because he is a good Father.

Be at peace.