First of all, I need to make it clear that this article is subject to no religious matter. I do not intend or wish to influence in any way the readers of this article, and therefore, they are free to interpret the words in it how they see fit to. What I am writing here are merely my thoughts and how I perceive the challenges everyone of us goes through, to some point, in our life.
It is not meant to influence one`s religious belief or faith. When I say that one has to carry their cross to reach resurrection, this is what I mean – that one has to carry their cross so that they can reach resurrection – but all of it is placed in a metaphorical context, and I will explain shortly just how this comes about.
Everything we experience in our life is meant for us to grow; it is meant for us to learn the lessons we need so that we can expand our awareness and move onto to the next level or stage of our earthly existence. This is the purpose, really. And I know that when we`re finding ourselves amidst challenges and hardship, seeing that as a blessing or opportunity to grow is the last thing that crosses our mind. I know.
I have been there many times, and I know how it feels. When you look around you and it seems to you that nothing works, that everything falls apart and most of all – that voice in your head shouts so loudly that you tend to believe your head will explode – that`s when you`re carrying the cross I mentioned.
Our challenges are our crosses, and we need to “carry” them in order to reach, afterward, the enlightenment of the resurrection.
Just like the cross, resurrection too is used here in a metaphorical context. Jesus is the perfect example of the human resurrection and He went through it both theoretically and practically. But the practical part carries a great symbolic meaning and a marvelous lesson, and if we pay sufficient attention to it, we`ll come to understand all of Jesus`s endeavors and His supreme victory – resurrection.
He came into this world to cleanse it off all the sins and human ignorance. This wasn’t an easy thing to do, not even for an awakened and elevated soul like Jesus. He faced many obstacles and trials; he had to beat the ego and human weakness into submission, and he had to keep focus, to stay centered in the eternal spirit, God, in spite of all the temptations around him. He had his weak points, too, without doubt. This means, after all, to be human. But nevertheless, He always stayed firm and true to His mission and purpose.
Going back to the moment just before he was captured by Pilate’s soldiers, in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed. He knew well what was about to come – this was yet another test. He was captured and He was taken before the Roman emperor, where he was judged, mocked at, despised, disrespected, laughed at and so on, and yet He didn’t fight back – this was another test. Then they mockingly cloth Him, in that which was supposed to be royal clothes, threw the big and heavy wooden cross on his shoulders and they had Him carry it all along the way to Mount Sinai where He was crucified – another and the final test.
Why I am telling you all these things?, you may ask 🙂
Well, because everything Jesus endured was meant to expand his soul; it was meant for Him to grow stronger in his spirit, to burn the ego, to burn the weakness, to win the fight against the wicked mind and weak body, and ultimately, to be a living proof for every soul on earth that God dwells in every creature, and that he who lives righteously, will be the heir of the godly paradise. But you see, all of these trials were necessary for Him to resurrect, and thus, meet again with the heavenly father. Resurrection can`t happen if there isn’t a trial, hardship, temptation, challenge, first.
It`s like when we want to pick from the tree a red apple to eat it, but before being able to eat it red colored, we must see it green first, and wait for the apple to grow and to be mellowed, right? It is the same here. We face these obstacles in what we call our earthly journey, but then, once they are gone, we feel good, don`t we? We feel at peace, happy; we feel stronger and lighter as if the storm passed and the sun is out now:)
This is what I feel, at least, every time I experience obstacles. The first thing I think to myself is that it`s here for a reason, that it has a purpose and it is meant to teach me something. And I always find my way back to my happiness and gratitude after the “storm” passes, as it makes me think that once again, I followed the same path as Jesus`s. And I smile because His path means growth – in any sense of the word.
Therefore, whenever you are amidst hardship, bless it. You know the old saying that goes, “everything that comes to us, be it positive or negative, we should bless it?” Follow that, as it is my belief that if we bless our circumstances, regardless good or bad, we experience them in a more easier way.
And really now, when you know that everything comes from God, and all of it is for your highest good, isn’t it easy to bless these circumstances, then?:)
I believe so because we only know so much about ourselves, life and spiritual purpose. God has and looks at the bigger picture of our destinies, and that`s why He places us in situations which are fit for whatever thing our soul needs in order for us to grow.
It`s all divinely planned, can you see that?:)
Talk to you next time:)
Cristina
Cristina,
This was one of your more powerful posts. You have put a lot of thought into these words, (as you always do). It is nice to know you understand the depth of suffering Jesus endured for us all. And nothing demonstrates the struggle of life like His carrying of the cross. Most experts say it weighed around 300 pounds, (not sure what that is in kilos). The miracle of His efforts after being beaten so severely, is missed by many people, (not you). In my country people always comment on their “cross to bear” talking about their children or a difficult coworker, whatever. They have no idea what the truth of this act represents. Thank you for getting the message to others and putting the truth of it in such eloquent words. You sincerely have a gift. :O)
Doug
Hey Doug:)) How are you?:)) Hope all is well with you, my friend:)) Thank you for your comment on the post, Doug:)) Your remark is true, Doug, as I did put a lot of thought into these words because the topic isn`t exactly “easy to digest” and I wanted to choose the best and easiest words so that people can really understand what I wanted to say, and the message I wanted to convey. I do hope I pulled it off, as I know topics like this can leave room for lots of interpretations or worse, misunderstandings. But at the same time, I really wanted to write this post with this topic, as it`s been on my mind for some time now:))
It is true, Doug. What Jesus endured for all of us is hard to be put in words. He did carry his cross, and not only the physical one but the metaphysical one, too, so in my opinion he carried two crosses. But He served his purpose, that is without doubt. And all the teachings and lessons he left behind for people to follow are wisdom in the purest of the essence. I am grateful to Him for coming into this world, and for having saved it. He is a wonderful spiritual teacher.
Thank you Doug, for your feed-back on the post:)) It`s always nice to hear from you and from everybody else that`s reading my blog:)) Thank you:))
Much love,
Cristina
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