A mother of a severely brain-damaged child radiates the love of God to all she meets. Several couples with many children continue to accept more children with open arms and smiling faces. Two couples with drug-addicted adult children continue to persevere with trust in Jesus even though the object of their hope is yet unseen (Rm 8:24). These Christians are in prime position to be asked: "How do you bear it? What keeps you going every day?" Scripture tells all with a cross to bear: "Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply" (1 Pt 3:15).

What does the world see when you bear your daily cross? Do they see a suffering person with little hope that God will assist them, complaining publicly about how heavy a cross with which God has burdened them, giving the impression that God has forgotten about their pain? If that describes you, you won't get many questions about your hope in Jesus — at least not from unbelievers. The questions you'll get will more likely come from fellow Christians wondering what happened to your joy.

What does the world see when you bear your daily cross? Does the world see you walking to Calvary unafraid and uncomplaining, with a grateful heart, suffering yet trusting in God's mercy? When the world sees you bearing your cross like this, it wonders why. It wants to know your secret. "Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply" (1 Pt 3:15).

Embrace the cross the Lord has given you. Let Jesus give you the triumph of His cross in your life.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012

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