Lenten Retreat, Day 31: Carry Your Cross
We begin with the sign of the cross, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Examine your conscience. (Take a few minutes. In silence, remember and feel sorry for your sins, and think of ways you will amend your life.)
Pray the Act of Contrition.
Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me (Mt 10:38). In this life, we all have our share of suffering, which is our cross. When we carry our cross, willingly, in complete resignation to the will of God, we become worthy of Jesus, because He too carried the cross and suffered for us.
When we accept our sufferings willingly, God’s grace flows into our lives. When we suffer reluctantly and bitterly, we reject the cross given to us. The cross is an opportunity for us to grow in holiness. Seldom do we realise that suffering purifies us. It helps us grow in virtue and it draws us closer to God.
Accept your cross daily and pray that God’s grace may abide in you, and help you grow in holiness. When we carry our cross, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Mt 16:24)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
To receive abundance of graces during this retreat, you can choose to do any of the following daily:
Attend the Holy Mass daily.
Pray the Rosary.
Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
Pray and meditate on the Way of the Cross.
Pray at least 15 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Read the bible and mediate on scripture for at least 15 minutes.
Pray the Litany of Humility.
Invite others to join this retreat, as a family or as a group.