From the Desk of Father Mason

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.

At first glance it might be hard to believe Jesus' words and promise. The yoke of the cross was so heavy that He needed the help of Simon of Cyrene to carry it. When I pray the Stations of the Cross, I add my own personal intentions at each station. At the fifth station I pray, "Jesus, give me the grace to help others with their cross and the humility to accept help from others with my crosses." The "rest" we receive from our Lord during times of trial is connected to the reality that we are not alone in whatever trial we face. We are in union with Jesus, His Blessed Mother, the Saints, and the loved ones He surrounds us with. Sometimes, we receive the special grace of having a stranger like Simon of Cyrene assist us with our cross. More often our loved ones, like Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene, are at the foot of the cross supporting us with their ministry of presence. Often in prayer, we tell God how big the storm is that is confronting us. We must remind ourselves also to pray telling the story of how big and loving our God is. So many times, it is a matter of perspective. When we forget Jesus, we begin to spiral down towards despair, which is the goal of the enemy. We then must recall His words and promises, and find union with Him in each cross, knowing we are not alone here, entrusting everything to his providential and loving care.

~Fr. James Mason