the carrying of the cross

Carrying his Cross, Jesus goes out of the city to the place of the skulls—called Golgotha in Hebrew (John 19:17). And they lay hold of a certain Simon from Cyrene, who is coming in from the country; and they make him take the Cross and carry it behind Jesus (Luke 23:26).

The prophecy of Isaiah (53:12) has been fulfilled: cum sceleratis reputatus est: “he was counted among the wicked”, for two other were led out with him to be put to death (Luke 23:32).

If anyone would follow me . . .. Little friend, we are sad, living the Passion of our Lord Jesus. See how lovingly he embraces the Cross. Learn from him. Jesus carries the Cross for you: you . . . carry it for Jesus.

But don't drag the Cross . . . carry it squarely on your shoulder, because your Cross, if you carry it so, will not be just any Cross. . . . It will be the Holy Cross. Don't carry your cross with resignation: resignation is not a generous word. Love the Cross. When you really love it, your Cross will be . . . a Cross without a Cross.

And surely you will find Mary on the way, just as Jesus did.