Jesus never gave up.
And he doesn’t give up on us.
Jesus always did the will of the Father.
And it is the will of the Father we will all be saved.
During this Holy Week I have carried with me in my pocket a small wooden cross. It has reminded me of the cross that my Palestinian friends in Beit Jala (Bethlehem) carry every day. I wanted to carry their cross with me this week, and, during the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, to touch it to the cross at church.
Today I touched that cross – their cross – to the cross of Jesus, and I held that cross – their cross – in my hands all during the time during which all the others came to the sanctuary to venerate the cross. I asked Jesus to either take the cross of occupation off their backs or to let them know in their arms and legs, in their minds and hearts that he was carrying it with them.
I haven’t decided yet whether I will hide that little cross in the Easter lilies on Sunday or give it to the Catholic parish priest in Beit Jala when I see him in June.
With Open Doors 
I, too, touched my little cross to the feet of Jesus today. Father Rob, you suggested we be
Simon to someone, and help them carry their cross. And so I held this cross when I received Holy Communion on Wednesday, and again today at the Veneration. I will give
this little cross to my brother, Mike, whose brain cancer is spreading, and tell him how it
was close to Jesus on Wednesday and today. I will ask him to carry it with him when he
receives his new chemo and radiation, and I will pray that it will give him the strength he needs. The cross I chose has little turquiose stones on it (my birthstone). I want him to know that his brother, Jesus, and his only sister love him and support him in this most
difficult journey. He needs a miracle for physical healing–and so I continue to hope, and
I thank God for the gift of His Son who “has been similarly tested in every way,,,and offered
prayers and supplication and tears”, and know that He understands–everything.
What wonderful words!!!!!!!
This may not sound the same, but relating to the young families in this parish, I will carry a cross for them!!
Encouraging words and deeds, Thanks Fr. Rob. It is always great to feel and to know there are people supporting us and carrying our cross with us. The last word for the resurrection!