The Joy of the Cross

Reflection for Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:24-2:3; Lk 6:6-11)

A sadist is one who takes pleasure in the pains of others. By nature we all have this inclination to be sadists if not the grace of God. That is why often times we rejoice, not exactly in what they possess, but that others do not have the same thing as we do. The ironic joy of the Cross is a mystery that saves us from being sadists and transforms us to joy-givers.

St Pauls talks about his joy in suffering for the sake of the people of Colossia. This is not to exalt suffering for its sake, but taking up pain so that others might be free. The joy of suffering that others might not suffer earns one a place in the cross of Christ. “I carry in my body the scars of Christ” (Gal 6:17). In this way, the believer becomes a means through which the grace of Christ Cross is extended to all. “And in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church.” It is in joyful view of the healing that bearing such suffering would bring that encourages one to endure the pain. But the greatest joyful hope that urges us on is the eternal life we have in Christ Jesus.

The Cross often meets opposition because there selfishness is conquered. The Pharisees and Scribes lurked by the corner like a hungry lion going after its prey! They watched Jesus closely to see if He would relieve the sick man of his pain on the Sabbath. They were indifferent to the suffering of the man. But Jesus took pity upon him. The man was healed, but the Scribes and Pharisees were filled with anger.

Genuine love for God and neighbour makes the difference. Love endures all things, even to the point of the Cross; love seeks the good of the other. The rejection of the Cross creates space for the dark cloud of embitterness to envelop the soul, where one becomes numb to suffering of others. Now we can escape being sadists! Bearing cross for the good others gives joy beyond measure. St Paul confirms it.

 
Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Abule Oshun, Lagos.
Monday September 9th, 2019.
Memorial of St Peter Claver.