We continue our reflection of growing in the life of the Spirit.  The life-death-life cycle is evidenced in nature from conception to one's last breath of physical life. However, such evidence does not seem to be accepted when the cycle includes the mystery of the cross. It is one thing to allow the process of nature to take its course. It is another to freely embrace the abnormal happenings, the unexpected situations, the imposed difficulties, the painful trials, the hurts from others, and the evils inflicted from the outside.

The Spirit who led Jesus in his decision to journey to the cross for our salvation leads us in our own decision to journey to the cross for our sanctification. Jesus said: "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (Jn 10:10). This full life is not possible without the mystery of the cross. Again the words of Jesus: "If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in my steps. Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will preserve it" (Mk 8:34-35).