Still Learning the God Offers Comfort Amid Sorrow

By Kristen Bourgeois

It’s been a few years since my conversion but the concept of “carrying my cross,” is still one that I am learning to put into action.

I’m sometimes all too familiar with my crosses; and pay too much attention to the negative aspect.  Now that I’ve identified this cross; which is always the easy part; now what?  What does it “look like” to carry my cross and follow Jesus?

One day, while meditating on the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary, it dawned on me.  God has provided comfort among my cross.  And being honest, during my struggles I haven’t always known that.

But when I go over my history and the many struggles I have had, I see along the way, even if it’s not in the moment, that God has provided me with some comfort or consolation with my cross.

In the past, while meditating on the fourth Sorrowful Mystery, Jesus carries his cross, I always focused on how unbearable and how heavy that cross must have been on Christs’ shoulder.  Digging into his shoulder as he was exhausted while walking up to Calvary with flesh missing from his body and thorns sticking into his scalp.

But, on this day, as I was meditating on this mystery a new perspective came clear.  The importance of Veronica, who moved with compassion wipes the face of Christ.  And the importance of Simon, who helped Christ carry his cross.

God has provided me with hope, consolation, assistance and re-assurance during my struggles.

I just have to remember to keep my eyes and ears open to acknowledge these graces and continue following Jesus.