[…] “As we begin this Lent, we must again hear and heed the call of our Lord and Savior, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Strive to enter the narrow gate. Take up your cross and follow me.’ We must reject easy and comfortable Catholicism, a Catholicism that demands nothing of us. We must not hide the crucifix, but rather gaze lovingly upon it, recalling the words of St. Paul, ‘We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.’ We must turn from the sin of our complacency and begin again to embrace the cross, for it alone is the sure way to true joy and life eternal.” ~Sam Guzman, from Catholicism and the Cross […]
E. Spear says
Wonderful Sam, wonderful, as we begin our journey with Our Lord towards Calvary. Thanks so much for posting this and keep up the great work.
Ellis
Joe says
Wow. Well put. This is the lenten message that no one wants, but we all need. Christ was surely with you when you wrote this one.
Amfortas says
The crosses of modern men seem to be many but only one is ‘True’.
We are beset on all sides by people who ‘disrespect’ us, even to the point of shedding our blood, incarcerating us, berating us, bearing false witness against us etc etc. Even our chosen woman can abandon us with the encouragement of powerful allies in Courts and media and only a calumny left to our name. And we feel the pain.
That pain can be bourne. It can be offered to Christ. We can join Him.
If we bask in the warm glow of self-regard, enjoying our misery, we will take it to the grave and down into eternal pain.
It is but the pain of life, continued.
But pain suffered FOR Chist can be a blessing. He can take the earthly suffering and turn it to His use and Glory. We can shoulder it and carry it IF we do so from Love of Christ rather than hatred of our enemy.
That does not mean we must not fight the injustices. Even to take up arms against it. But we must choose our weapons carefully and prepare for battles appropriately.
David W. Cooney says
This is a truly wonderful article. If only more Catholic men would be manly about being Catholic. Pray openly, especially the Rosary. Say grace with the Sign of the Cross before and after meals, even in restaurants. Wear a crucifix. It’s time to stop being timid about the Faith.
Brent Henning says
Thank you Sam for deepening my faith. Some of your articles are light hearted, but this one really touched the depths of my own heart. God designed man’s & woman’s hearts with an infinite amount of room for expansion through the Holy Spirit. Jesus provides the perfect sacrifice so that we may one day live an eternal life in the kingdom of God. Your words have surely helped my heart expand and helped me grow even closer to God, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit.