The Comfort of the Cross

In a traditional prayer to the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, we pray "Passion of Christ be my comfort." In an age where suffering is anything but comforting (I doubt it ever was), and when our self-worth seems to deteriorate with the eroding economy, these words are more than puzzling. 

Really think of these words. What is comforting about your God enduring brutal beatings? Where is the comfort in knowing that the one you love so much is on the road to an infamous death? Why am I suppose to feel comfort, while at the same time admitting that I am the reason that blood is blurring his vision? 

In a strange twist, these types of questions tend to bar us from the truth. They focus on ourselves, and forget to really look at the Man himself. Stop gazing only on our sinfulness, and like Veronica look to the face of Christ. It is there that we find comfort. 

We are comforted, because Jesus wanted to carry the cross. Jesus willed to suffer and die for us. It was the only way to show us the magnitude of his love - so great that it brings meaning even to our darkest days. But wait, what is still holding us back?

That is an incredible amount of love. Its the kind of love that gets into the little crevices of the soul and makes change. Its the kind of love that makes you feel as "naked" as Adam and Eve in the garden - vulnerable and powerless. This love demands recognizing that we are in a distant land craving after the food of pigs, and relying entirely on the providence of our father. This love is so real, that it makes us real. It removes us from the fantasies of pride, lust, greed, anger, sloth, envy, and gluttony and draws us into the truth of piety, awe, wisdom, knowledge, fortitude, understanding and counsel. 

Now, now the comfort can be complete, like a lost son in the arms of a jubilant father. The humility to look upon our suffering Lord and just say THANK YOU! 

                                
                                  Be comforted. You are infinitely and divinely LOVED.