Each of us has a cross to bear. Whether it be caring for a sick spouse or aging parent, sending your child off to college or the military, mourning a death, grieving a broken relationship, finding the financial means to keep a roof over your head and food on the table or the daily struggles of nurturing, embracing and living your faith. No one is exempt from hardship, adversity and loss.

Jesus was beaten and battered, stripped of his clothing and dignity, mocked by his executioners and jeered at by onlookers. But somehow He mustered the strength to carry His cross (the weight of our sins) through the dusty, uneven, cobblestone streets of Jerusalem. He stumbled, struggled and suffered an agonizing death yet he didn’t complain. He accepted his cross with humility, grace and deep sacrificial love.

Each Good Friday, I watch “The Passion of Christ”. It is extremely difficult to watch but I do it as a reminder of the sacrifice, pain and suffering the Lord endured in order that me, a sinner, might be saved. Any pain I suffer, will not compare.

Jesus invites us to take up our cross(es) and follow Him. Do you willingly accept yours?