The Joy of the Cross

Thus, liturgical violet is not the color of the “Lenten faces” condemned by Our Lord:
"And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee." (Matt. 6:16–18)

The understanding of Christian suffering is inseparable from joy. Here’s why:

• Carrying our cross with Jesus Christ frees us from sin, restores us to divine friendship, and contributes to our sanctification—each a cause for joy. "Great is my confidence for you, great is my glorying for you. I am filled with comfort, I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation.". (2 Cor. 7:4).  A soul burdened with suffering is not deprived of all consolation; rather, it rejoices in the virtues it gains through patience. When it willingly submits to the will of God, all that is painful and difficult in suffering becomes a source of consolation and confidence. (Imitation of Christ, Book II, Ch. 12)
• In Jesus Christ crucified lies the hope of an imperishable crown. Per crucem ad lucem—through the cross to the light. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Rom. 8:18)
• We extend the benefits of the Cross to this world, especially to poor sinners. A soul that rises lifts the world with it. (Elisabeth Leseur)
• Our knowledge of the love of Our Lord—who suffered so much for us—is deepened. Our cross is a fragment of His, and He carries it more than we do. (A monk) We take joy in contemplating what we love, and this joy increases our love even more. (St. Thomas Aquinas, IIa IIæ, q. 180, a. 7, ad 1)

Indeed, the martyrs experience a joy that is not of this world. They harbor no anger, resentment, or fear. They thank their executioners, pray for them, and forgive them. They sing as they descend into the arena. "My brethren, count it all joy, when you shall fall into divers temptations.". (James 1:2) The martyr Tiburtius, walking barefoot on burning coals, said: "It seems to me that I am walking on roses, in the name of Jesus Christ." (Ia IIæ, q. 38, a. 4)

Little Anne de Guigné beautifully expressed the joy that comes from sacrifice, which is an act of love for God: "There are many joys on earth, but they do not last; the one that lasts is having made a sacrifice." A sin, a momentary whim, the pursuit of comfort always lead to sadness and remorse. But a true sacrifice, an act of charity, is always followed by inner joy and strength. "Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, the young men and old together: and I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow." (Jer. 31:13)

A passage from the Passion according to St. Luke illustrates this well:
"And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him. And when he was come to the place, he said to them: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And he was withdrawn away from them a stone's cast; and kneeling down, he prayed, Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them: Why sleep you? Arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation." (Luke 22:39–46)

The Angel consoles Our Savior, the divine Awakener strengthens Him, but the apostles, overwhelmed by sorrow, later flee. Peter will deny his Master.

Joy without the cross is fleeting. The cross without joy is that of the bad thief.

Joy is the Rest of the Will in the Possessed Good

"Joy is the rest of the will in the possessed good" (Ia q. 59 a. 4 ad 2), teaches Saint Thomas. Now, suffering—whether willed or accepted—leads us to renounce ourselves out of love for God, who is the Supreme Good. Thus, our joy at Easter will be in proportion to our generosity during this Lent.

How Can We Live a Meaningful Lent?

• Pray more and pray better. A daily meditation on a few verses from the precious little book The Imitation of Christ, the recitation of the Rosary, and attending Holy Mass during the week—which brings joy to our souls—are excellent resolutions.
• Begin each day with a clear and determined intention to offer everything out of love for Him who gave Himself for us (Gal. 2:20).
• Sanctify and improve the fulfillment of your daily duties in a spirit of penance.
• Mortify your tongue, especially by eliminating all gossip. Of others, say good or say nothing.
• Accomplish what you have been putting off for too long.
• Pray and sacrifice for the conversion of poor sinners.
• Accept unexpected sufferings (which are never unexpected for God) without complaining—whether it’s a driver not moving when the light turns green, an illness, personal dislikes, or repeated annoyances. DNC! (Do Not Complain!)
• Practice voluntary penances in food and drink—and especially in the use of the mobile phone, reducing it to the bare minimum.
• Prepare for a truly good confession.

Let us remember that true joy has roots in the shape of a cross, as a monk once said, and that suffering with Our Lord is no longer suffering. No one is as happy as a true Christian! (Blaise Pascal)

May Jesus and Mary, "the sweetness of the cross," bless you.

Abbé Bertrand Labouche FSSPX