Encountering The Cross (Week Five)

 

  Jeremy walked down the church's central aisle, genuflected, and then sat down in his usual pew. He kept his eyes on the crucifix behind the altar. Nervously, his knee shook up and down. For weeks, he had felt God calling him to donate his time, money, and business expertise to build an apartment building for low-income families. Since he owned his own contracting company, he had the knowledge, contacts, and equipment to donate. It was possible, but it would be an enormous undertaking.

 "God," Jeremy began, "I know you want this, but I don't know if I could handle it. I would have to fund it with a lot of my profits. If I did this, would I be rewarded somehow?" Jeremy's knee continued to bounce nervously up and down. He unzipped his coat as he began to feel uncomfortably warm. "God, this would take so much of my time. Don't I deserve to have some time to enjoy life? I know this is a good cause, but is there someone else? Why are you asking me to carry this cross? Is this to repay for some of my past mistakes? Will this level the playing field for me?" 

 Jeremy thought about all the things he would have to sacrifice. "What if I just did part of the job? Maybe you could find someone else to help out. I could do fifty percent of the job, and someone else could finish." Jeremy let out an audible sigh. He reflected on this scenario and how it could work. As he thought, he began to scowl. "Well, I could do closer to twenty-five to thirty percent of the job, and you could find two other people to help out. Or maybe I could consult about the job. I could give them some helpful advice. That would work better for me. There are plenty of other people who could help as well." Jeremy felt pleased with the last thought. Consulting, if they need it. Yes, that could definitely work. Jeremy quickly made the sign of the cross and walked out of the church feeling twenty pounds lighter. As he walked out the doors, he thought, "That was a good talk."

 "Jeremy, Jeremy, come on back," God urged. "I listened to you, but you didn't give me a chance to respond."

 John, the church's patron saint, heard God's plea: "He might come back, Father. It would be a difficult cross for him."

 God nodded. "Yes, I know. Without him, the center will not be built for many years."

 "Maybe he will realize that the cross isn't a bargaining tool.  It is the tool that humbles a soul and keeps them on the path of holiness.

 God smiled at John and said, "Perhaps he will hear My voice again when his fears quiet down."

-Susan