Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

GOOD FRIDAY  

 At times we Christians have spoken of self-denial, the cross, as if it were some kind of choice we had to make among a bewildering number of possibilities. But the real crosses don't have to be looked for; they come. They are an inevitable part of every life. It seems pretty certain that we will all at some time be close to feeling like Job. Why was I born? Why should I live?

Our happiness, our hopes are dashed to the ground by an accident that happens to a family member, by a disease that kills a child or parent, by some terrible disappointment in our work or another person, by crushing loneliness or boredom. They make us cry out like our Lord: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)

These are the genuine crosses; nothing we choose can equal the ones given to us by life and our circumstances. The suffering and death of Jesus came about not because he wanted them but because he had chosen a good life and a mission from God. He was to feel the consequences in the ill will that caused it.  We all face both people and situations that are hostile and about which we can do nothing.

This is probably the most heroic thing we can do: accept what comes from the unchangeable circumstances and people of our life, what faithfulness to our responsibilities asks from us, the inconveniences and boredom of everyday life. The crucified is in the kitchen, our work place, our loves.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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