SECOND SOLUTION TO BEARING A CROSS: NOT ABORTING GOD'S WILL

A second interpretation of "May this cup be taken from me" is that Jesus was simply praying not to die before his appointed time, since that would abort God's plan and fulfill Satan's will. Satan feared Christ's prophesied crucifixion as the culminating act of redemption. Thus when Jesus exclaimed, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Mt 26:38; Mk 14:34), the man of sorrows may have felt that this incomprehensible burden of the sins of all humanity was about to kill him before he could even be crucified. "He poured out his life unto [up to the point on death... for he bore the sin of many" (Is 53:12). Jesus showed that he wanted to fulfill the prophecies and carry out God's will, for he reminded his apostles that he could have called for twelve legions of angels to prevent his arrest, "but how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Mt 26:54). "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (18:11).

So perhaps Jesus was really praying that his death would not be premature when he asked that the cup be spared him. The Father responded by sending an angel to strengthen him until the crucifixion (Lk 22:43). Thus, a premature, sorrow-caused death was averted, Jesus' prayer was answered, and Satan was thwarted. "'Now the prince of this world will be driven out. But l, when I be lifted up [on the cross] will draw all men to myself.' He said this to show what kind of death he was going to die" (Jn 12:31-33). Clearly, Jesus connected Satan's expulsion with his own death by crucifixion. He knew that he was not born to live but born to die; this is why he protested that he was not trying to avoid death itself: "What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour" (Jn 12:27).

What about us? In our own personal sufferings are we aborting God's will in some way? We are if we lack perseverance. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life" (Jas 1:12). "You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:36).

We also abort God's will by our resistance or even by our lack of joy in suffering. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (Jas 1:2). It may be hard to rejoice in our sufferings, but a reminder from Jesus helps: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you... rejoice and be because great is your reward in heaven" (Mt 5:11-12). But the most spiritual motive is stated by Peter: "Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ" (1 Pt 4:13).

Failures to persevere and rejoice are only two of the ways by which we can abort God's will in suffering. But with Christ as our guide, we can leave such failures behind and grow into a mature approach to suffering that can transform every cross into a paradoxical blend of sorrow and joy.

This excerpt is from the book The Art of Loving God by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications, 1995. This and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.