Our Spiritual Journey

Recently, with my RCIA class, I talked about the Nicene Creed, the Our Father, and the Stations of the Cross. Regarding the Stations, I told them that this is a devotion that we can do any day of the year. Take the time to go into your parish church and walk the way of the cross. I also said that many shrines throughout the world have stations and some are life-size that are really impressive. One of my favorite destinations is the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. I enjoy walking the semi-circular road that is home to the Stations of the Cross. It is a very peaceful journey and it gives you time to reflect and pray. Here is a quote from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux that talks about our spiritual journey and the importance of the cross in our lives: "Pilgrims on the spiritual journey face alternately in two directions: when we look at ourselves, we are saddened by our failings; when we look at God, we rejoice in his love. In mid-Lent, the liturgy reminds us that the purifying suffering of the cross is the only way to the everlasting joy of the resurrection" (Magnificat, 66). May God bless us as we continue our journey during this Lenten Season. Let us continue to focus on the cross, but most importantly, let us pick up our cross and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord, because He is the way to everlasting life. Peace to you!!!