“Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.” (St. Rose of Lima) By embracing the cross in his humanity, Jesus experienced the resurrection in his humanity. Our daily crosses can either be embraced or rejected. By embracing them, they enable us to prepare for life after death. By rejecting them, we are making our journey difficult. I know this doesn't make sense. But it is the paradox that Jesus speaks of in the Gospels. If we do not take up our cross and follow him, we can not be his disciples. If we are not his disciples, how can we be with him in eternity? To die to self (our cross) is to rise in him (our victory). Jesus didn't like the cross, but he endured it for our sake. We don't have to like our cross, but embracing it brings a deeper sharing in his divine life. The cross in time or glory and joy in eternity: which do we want?