Marriage is both a blessing and a cross, gifted to you by God. Sometimes the duality of that gift is difficult. While the blessings are wonderful, we are often tempted to let go of our cross when we get tired of carrying it. But we were given a partner to carry it with us. It’s weight distribution is rarely 50-50. More often it can be 80/20, 40/60, or 100/0. Like Jesus, we are called to carry our cross and climb our own personal Calvary, with faith, with hope, and with love. When we fall, if we ask with faith, we will be given the strength to persevere.
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Accept all disappointments and sufferings with joy, out of love of our Lord. Trust in his greater plan for your marriage.
You have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Rev 2:2
To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God.” To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna;I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.” Rev 2:7, 17
Lord, for all those spouses weakening under the weight of their cross, walk by their side and help them carry it. May their blessings overshadow the heaviness of their cross, for through endurance and perseverance, their strength and love will increase, resulting in a lightening of their cross. Come Holy Spirit and set their hearts on fire! You showed us that a heart filled with love conquers all. Help us to imitate you!
