Focus on the Cross!

If you are ever looking for a tool that can help you with prayer and the daily Mass readings, Magnificat, is it. I have received the Magnificat book for a number of years and it is a great resource. In fact, you will notice that I document it quite often in these blogs. During Lent, there are some wonderful quotes that truly make you think and I am looking back over those to mention here. We are two weeks away from Good Friday, but each Friday and each day of our lives is a time to focus on the cross. Here is a beautiful quote from Saint John Mary Vianney: "When we are walking in the streets, let us fix our eyes on the Lord bearing his cross before us" (Magnificat, 93). What Jesus did in carrying the cross and being crucified is the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his very life so that we will have the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. I also remember a piece that said Jesus is walking ahead of us with his cross and do not think that our cross is greater than his. Jesus tells us if we wish to be his disciples we must pick up our cross and follow him. We know that we carry our crosses but we do not do so alone! Our Lord is always there to give us the patience and perseverance that we need. On that same page, 93, in the Magnificat, there is this beautiful prayer that we can make our own, "Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Savior, open your Heart and accept mine." Let us pray that the heart of Christ will touch ours and that we can keep our focus on the cross because it is the tree of life! God Bless You!!!