CAN YOU BE TRANSFORMED BY THE CROSS? This is what happened to Simon of Cyrene. It can happen to you.

In the fourth talk of the GIFT OF LOVE last week, many of us were touched by Dr. Sri's presentation of what happened to Simon of Cyrene: "As they led Jesus away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus" (Luke 23:26).

It appears that Simon of Cyrene was initially "forced" to carry Jesus' Cross. He just happened to be visiting Jerusalem. He did not know Jesus at all. However, there is no doubt that his experience of carrying Jesus' Cross made him feel compassionate for this young man crowned with thorns, being insulted and enduring immense sufferings on his Way to Calvary. Later on, Simon of Cyrene chose to become a Christian, a true follower of the man he saw die on the Cross. You too can be transformed by carrying the Cross of Jesus.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me," says Jesus ( Luke 9:23). This is the picture of discipleship: like Simon of Cyrene we can bear the cross that Jesus passes on to us and then we can walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following Him on the Way to Calvary.

The paradox of the Cross is still puzzling today. How can the punishment of an innocent person solve the problem of sin and salvation? How can we all be redeemed by Jesus' scandalous death on a cross? The cross has two possible meanings: a scandalous punishment of an innocent man (also God) or the amazing, immense LOVE of GOD for all of us, "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:16).

We are SAVED by GOD’S LOVE!

When looking at Jesus on the Cross, you can see and feel that IMMENSE LOVE. Look at the arms of Jesus. They are wide open. From the Cross, Jesus dying for our sins looks down on us. He tells us, "I want to embrace you. I love you. I want you to stay with me forever."

God gives Himself totally to each one of us. God loves us first. God's Love is immense, unconditional. Jesus is asking all of us while hanging on the Cross: "Do you love me? I want you to take up my cross and follow me."

Jesus is also telling us from the Cross, “I THIRST ". Those two words were central to the mission of Mother Teresa to assist the poorest of the poor, JESUS IS THIRSTING FOR OUR LOVE. God has created us so that we can Love Him and we can love one another. The Cross is what transforms our sinfulness into Love.

Jesus tells us from the Cross, "I am the WAY, the only way to the Father...I am the Resurrection and the LIFE. The Father and I are ONE. Accept your sufferings. Accept your daily crosses. THEY WILL TRANSFORM YOU! Come to me and I will take you to my Father."

May Saint Joseph lead us to Jesus on the Cross. May Saint Joseph help us to accept our sufferings and be transformed by the Power of the Cross. Let us pray together the Prayer of Consecration to St. Joseph:

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH (by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC)

On this day, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I, _______________________ , a repentant sinner, consecrate myself, body and soul, to you, St. Joseph.

I turn to you as my spiritual father and place my life and my salvation into your hands. Confident in your goodness, I place myself under your paternal cloak and ask you to protect me from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Saint Joseph, you are the virginal husband of the Mother of God! Help me to love her with tender affection and filial devotion. Mary is my spiritual mother and the surest, fastest, and easiest way to Jesus. Keep me close to her and, together with her, bring me closer to Jesus.

Never depart from me, St. Joseph. Nourish me with the Bread of Life, instruct me in the wisdom of the saints, help me carry my cross, and keep me always in the Catholic Church. When I die, take me to the Kingdom of Heaven to see Jesus and Mary.

From this day onward, I will never forget you. I will speak of you often, spend time with you in prayer and, with your help, earnestly strive to sin no more. Should I fall, help me to repent and go to Confession. Should I go astray, guide me back to the truth.

Before heaven and earth, my soul cries out: Praise to the Holy Trinity who has made you prince over all their possessions! Praise to the Virgin Mary who loves you and longs to see you loved! Praise to you, my spiritual father, the great St. Joseph!

I give everything to you, St. Joseph. Take me as your own. I am yours. Amen!

One in Christ,


Father Alain