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There are some crosses that are not the cross of Christ
Many think Jesus was trying to tell us that our goal in this life is to seek failure so we can be happy in the next life.
There’s a story in American media about a young man who had everything he wanted by the time he was 30. Perfect job. Perfect wife. Trophies on the wall. Billions in the bank. Despite all the success, he felt miserable.
Jesus was describing this when he said (Mt 16:26): “Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Unfortunately, most people read our Lord’s words the wrong way.
Many think Jesus was trying to tell us that our goal in this life is to seek failure so we can be happy in the next life. I understand why they think that way. Jesus insisted on the cross, and how we have to carry it, if we want to walk in his footsteps. But here’s the secret.
There are some crosses that are not the cross of Christ. They are crosses that we invent; for instance, being depressed because someone else looks more handsome or more beautiful. There will always be someone who has it better, no matter how successful we are.
One of the saints put it this way: “How many people, through their pride and imagination, enter upon calvaries that have nothing to do with the Calvary where Christ died.” They need to discover the truth of those words Jesus spoke to his disciples (Mt 11:28): “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
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