The Cross and Discipline

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way and they forced him to carry the cross." (Mark, 15:21)

Many students of Christianity disagree with the documented history on the cross, alleging that the reminiscences of the Calvary constitutes improper culture of the suffering.

They affirm that the memory of the Master in those last hours of the crucifixion, amidst vulgar evildoers is a negative one.

But, we are of those who prefer to visualize every day in the life of Jesus as a glorious journey, and all of the minutes as divine parcels from His sacred ministry, ahead of the necessities of the human soul.

Every hour of His presence among the people is characterized in a particular beauty, and the instant of the shameful cross is replete of majestic symbolism.

Various disciples weave extensive tales regarding the cross of the Master and they usually examine with theoretical particulars the imaginary logs they carry along with them.

However, only the one who has actually shouldered the cross of redemption that is his responsibility, is the one who has achieved the strength of denying himself, in order to follow in the footsteps of the Divine Master.

Many persons confuse discipline with spiritual illumination. Only after having accepted the gentle yoke of Jesus Christ, will we be able to raise the cross to the shoulders, which will concede us the spiritual wings for eternal life.

Against the arguments, which are usually useless, of those who did not truly comprehend the sublimity of the cross, let us observe the example of the man from Cyrene in those culminating moments of the Savior. The cross of the Christ was the most beautiful in the world; nonetheless, the individual that assists Him, does not do so of his own volition, but rather, adhering to an irresistible requirement. And, even today, the majority of individuals accept the obligations inherent to their duty, because to this they feel obliged.

XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Our Daily Bread. By the Spirit Emmanuel. Spititist Alliance for Books, 2003. Chapter 103.