We live in a world of modern convenience, a society that values instant gratification and is fueled by busyness. There seems to be little time to wait and a constant need to have everything be quicker and faster. I must say, I have grown accustomed to grocery pickup and doing the shopping through the convenience of my phone, and at times I cannot imagine my life without this. So much that it almost pains me to have to pack up my kids and take them to a grocery store with me.
Living in an instant and now culture the tendency is to shy away from suffering, it is seen as something to be avoided at any and all costs. Whether it’s something small as waiting in line a little longer, taking my kids grocery shopping or going out of our way to show a kind gesture to a stranger. In avoiding the small sacrifices, it becomes even more difficult to accept, let alone embrace the bigger crosses we may face in our lives.
When we walk into a Catholic Church we see a crucifix. Our eyes meet Jesus hanging, his arms outstretched, his hands and feet nailed, his side pierced and his face in bitter anguish with a crown of thorns pressing upon his head. Often, Catholics are seen as morbid because we display crucifixes in our churches, our homes or perhaps even as a piece of jewelry around our neck. We are told that we should not keep Christ on the cross because he has been resurrected.
Yes, Christ has risen, but before the Resurrection was Good Friday, and often that is reflected in our own lives. Each one of us at some point in our faith journey has experienced the pain of Good Friday. There have been suffering and hardships, grief and pain, but always in those moments we can be reminded of the suffering of our Lord. It is in our own suffering that we ourselves become more closely united to the cross of Christ as we share in His. St John Eudes said, “The crosses with which our path through life is strewn associate us with Jesus in the mystery of His crucifixion.”
We are quickly approaching Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a time to unite ourselves closer to our Savior, closer to His cross. And as we each carry our own cross, with faith knowing Christ is right beside us and walking each step with us, we too will experience the joy of the Resurrection.
SPECIAL PREMIUM – $600 – $1,199 Giving Level – The theme this week for the Relevant Radio Pledge Drive is Give from the Heart. All we have to do is gaze upon a crucifix and we are instantly reminded of the greatest gift given from the heart. For the $600-$1,299 level of giving the special premium is a Walnut Wood Wall Crucifix, measuring 10 inches tall. This crucifix makes a beautiful gift for a child for their Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation. It also makes a wonderful wedding gift, for newlyweds to display in their home.
- Walnut Wall Crucifix
- This 10-inch tall walnut finish wall crucifix has a solid brass inlay and features a gold finish corpus and a gold finish INRI sign. Gift-boxed.
- Material: Maple Hardwood/Walnut Finish Cross/Antique Gold Finish Figure; Size: 10″H
“Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.” St. Anthony of Padua
If you give to Relevant Radio at the $600 – $1,199 level this week, you will receive this Walnut Wall Crucifix.
