“Strive to have peace even in the face of suffering. To take up Christ’s Cross-that is, to embrace your own cross each day-is a great test of faith. I think the transformation in one’s life comes when you realize that in accepting your own sufferings, you are sharing in Christ’s Cross. Jesus gave up his life. What am I giving up? How can I share in Christ’s salvation if I don’t share in His passion and death? I think this perspective on Jesus’ sacrifice can give you immense courage in facing personal misfortune. I know that anything that does not bring me peace is not of God. So this is what I strive for-to have peace even in the face of suffering. I don’t believe we can ever be happy in our lives (as God wants us to be) until we get rid of our fear of suffering. What a great burden would be lifted from all our shoulders if we let go of our fear of suffering. To embrace Christ on the Cross is to lose that fear because we know what lies at the end of this sacrifice-redemption, salvation, eternal joy. To reach that goal would be truly transformative.”

Marlo Serritella, 2.29.08


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