Have you ever heard "If you come to a cross in the road, carry it".... No?, are you sure? Cause I am pretty sure I have... It reminds me of springtime... being outdoors.. I am sure it is a popular saying. Oh Well.... I guess I will just share about this cross...
We were on the mountain side in late February after the big snows... on retreat with our confirmation class... We were talking about the Holy Spirit and living with the gifts of the spirit... Throughout the weekend we experienced times of active efforts and other times were spent reflecting quietly. Reconciliation had something to do with many movements toward the cross.
In our trudgings to and from meals, we came across a random cross. In our path, these two sticks perpendicular to each other yet resting precariously amidst the washed out gully of the gravel road, brought to mind the reason for our journey: To contemplate the great mystery of Divine love for divine creation in us and around us.
It was just a momentary image surely washed away with the melting snow or early spring rains, or more likely the random striking of boot on twig by one oblivious to the existence and placement in the road on the way to a meal.
Yet for the divine spark which exists in us and developed technology to capture the image, it does not fade or crumble or rot... it exists for us in this image to remember and to ponder and to choose to strike obliviously or to willfully pick up the cross and carry it.
We move to the Saturday before Palm Sunday and our annual Archdiocese of Baltimore Youth Pilgrimage. Over a thousand youth and adults gather to remember our Lords passion and way to the cross... We invite those who are getting ready to start the immediate preparation and reflection for the sacrament of Confirmation, to do the pilgrimage... this cross was picked up and carried by Archbishop Edwin O'Brien and groups of youth-full pilgrims through the streets of Baltimore.
Our own Clay and Aaron chose to pick up the cross and carry it.
"Lord fill us with an openness to your great desire for each of us. Help us to recognize that it is through the cross that we are brought to unity in the Trinity."
" For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, so that whoever would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"... Jn 3:16
Join us in seeking more about this man Jesus, a carpenter who created the world... we begin today... When you come to a cross in the road... will you carry it?
Yogi Berra: "If you come to a fork in the road, take it. "
Below is an additional pic and comment due to current events in the mojave desert.
This Cross Memorial was just stolen, after the Supreme Court ruled it could stay.. Now a replica is in place, only to be ordered removed by the government... So I guess if you come to a cross in the road, I really mean carry it in your heart and live it.
