The Mental Health Benefits of Embracing Your Cross

When I was a child, I heard a story that has stayed with me all my life, and I want to share it with you. A group of pilgrims set out on a journey, each carrying a wooden cross and a sack of stones. No two were the same: some crosses were tall, some short; some sacks heavy, some light. Inevitably, they compared themselves, wishing their burdens were lighter or easier. One man even trimmed his cross, and another tossed stones away to ease the load. Yet when they walked, they discovered something remarkable: though their crosses were different sizes, each pressed equally upon their shoulders. At last, they reached a chasm and a river. Only those who carried their full burdens could cross. The man who trimmed his cross could not span the gap. Those who discarded their stones had too little to pay the boatman.Then the Teacher spoke:“What you bear is not random—it is measured to your soul. The weight of your cross is not in its size but in its purpose. Every burden is fitted to your strength. Your cross may seem too heavy, too small, or unfair—but it is yours, perfectly measured. Embrace it. The weight you bear in sorrow today may one day lift you into glory tomorrow.” 

To embrace your cross is not merely to carry it—it is to hold it close, to stop resisting, and to see God shaping you through it. It is like a child learning a violin. At first, the wood feels awkward, the strings cut into their fingers, and the sound screeches. But the day comes when the child no longer resists. Instead of dreading the weight, the wood becomes an instrument of beauty. The strings that once cut now sing. The weight is no lighter—but it has been transformed. Christ Himself embraced His cross. He did not merely drag it; He stretched out His arms upon it. And in that embrace, death became life, shame became glory, and burden became salvation. 

Seven Mental Health Benefits of Embracing Your Cross 

1. Resilience – we grow stronger:“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4)

2. Perspective – trials shape eternal vision:“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

3. Peace – acceptance calms the mind:“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

4. Hope – trusting God’s purpose:“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. Empathy – kindness born from shared struggle:“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

6. Identity – meaning in the midst of challenge:“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

7. Joy – gratitude even in trials:“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2–3). Reflection on The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
   

   24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)