Voice of Moreau: The word “anxiety” comes from the Latin word angustia which means “narrow straits.” To suffer from anxiety is like walking down a long, dark tunnel that seems to have no end. As a society, we think of anxiety as an enemy. There are drugs out there to remove that feeling of narrowness and relax our minds, as well as talk therapy to help people alleviate the emotional heaviness that plagues us. Nevertheless, the experience of anxiety is a unique spiritual opportunity to trust God. Jesus’ mind must have been obscured by a thick fog on the Cross: Why do I have to go through this? How can anything good come out of my death? Where are all of my family and friends? Why have you abandoned me? Yet, he said yes. Truly, the joy of the resurrection is reserved for those who are willing to walk the way of salvation, though they do not understand: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Mt 7:13-14). Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
Response: St. Paul in his letter to the Romans tells them that “[t]he sufferings of present are nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us” (8:18). We live in a world that is wedded to many forms of promiscuity. It is so easy to be convinced that a pill can readily provide a cure for any ache or pain. That the application of this or that salve will stave off the effects of aging. That the purchase of this or that gadget will make living increasingly more effortless. And so we give in to these enticements only to find out that our anxieties about living are not alleviated but exacerbated because we have been duped yet again. To see our personal suffering as nothing compared to the glory to be revealed is not easy. It takes more than a one-time yes to God. It is a daily yes–an hourly yes for most of us. What comfort can a Holy Cross educator provide? Make a daily commitment to be zealously faithful to teaching the truth about this life’s journey toward heavenly citizenship. The road is hard because the flesh is weak. If there is a curative for all that ails us, it is compassionate mercy. Do not increase the suffering of the via dolorosa. Ave Crux Spes Unica!
A great message for students going back to school. It can be an exciting time yet anxious time for many. Remembering we are not alone in our journey may help a lot of students. Thank you for this post!
Ha, it is funny to read this about last school….there might be a little anxiety this time around!!! Peace to you sister Melanie!
I stumbled onto your site in curiosity about the Holy Cross Order, who founded the college I graduated from many years ago. How reassuring and comforting it was for me to read this passage as a mental illness sufferer. While never in doubt of my faith, I went down the medication/therapy hole and fought hard to get out of if. I was successful through Gods help, even though I still struggle. I never thought about Jesus struggling with this too. I suppose I mostly thought of Him in the Divine sense, not fully understanding there was of course this human side. Thank you for helping to bring me closer to Him still. God bless.
Thank you for your supportive words and insights, Nancy. You sound like a courageous person and your own personal journey of searching for meaning in the midst of suffering is a great inspiration to us. Peace be with you sister and know that we walk a common path to a shared destination. Ave Crux, Spes Unica!