SCIC Triduum Day 2: Generosity in Carrying Our Cross

On the second day of triduum in honour of Sts Chastan and Imbert, Fr Nelson Joseph preached on the theme of Generosity.

“The devil is always in the details,” remarked Fr Nelson. Just as he tried to tempt Jesus in the desert, he tempts us today. We also go on to see in the Gospel how, through Peter, the devil tries to dissuade Jesus from going to the cross (Matt 16:22–23). Similarly, time and again the devil whispers the same temptation in our ears: “You don’t have to carry your cross. There is always an easier way out.”

The reading of the day reminds us that all of us will be tested. As it says in Wisdom 3:5–6, God refines us like gold through our trials. We all face suffering, pain, and hardship, and the greatest temptation is to set down our cross, choosing comfort over faithfulness. Yet, when we take the easy path, we miss the opportunity to witness Christ’s love in our lives. More importantly, we miss out on the grace, healing, and victory that Jesus earned for us through His own cross.

Carrying our cross is never easy. In fact, it can be exhausting and painful, especially when it feels like a daily struggle. But the cross is not a punishment, nor is it meant to remind us of our sinfulness or human frailty. The purpose of the cross is far more profound—it is God’s way of training us to be faithful disciples of Jesus, worthy for his Kingdom.

After His resurrection, Jesus showed the disciples His hands, bearing the nail scars. It was proof that He did not run from His cross or ask someone else to bear it for Him. He embraced it fully, enduring the suffering and death so that we could share in His victory over sin, Satan, and death.

When we carry our crosses—whether it’s illness, personal loss, or any hardship—we unite ourselves with Christ. Our suffering is not meaningless; it brings us closer to Him and helps us overcome our own sinful nature.

The Romans meant for the cross to be an instrument of torture for those who dared to disobey them. “Who “tortures” you today?” asked Fr Nelson. Maybe it’s a difficult person or a challenging situation. Jesus says that if we do not carry our cross, we risk losing our lives. But if we embrace it, we gain life—eternal life. Sometimes, the cross can feel like a stumbling block, hindering us from being the faithful disciples we desire to be. If you’re tempted to run from your cross, take heart—Jesus encourages you to pick it up, for it is through this very cross that God will save us. At other times, we ourselves may be a stumbling block to others; if this is the case, it’s time to change.

It’s not easy, but it is not impossible. We can all carry our cross when we put our trust in Jesus, just as the martyrs—Saints Chastan and Imbert—did. They generously gave their lives, both as priests and as witnesses to Christ. Inspired by the generosity of God on the cross, they found the courage to serve and to glorify God, trusting in His plan even unto death. They believed in the victory of Jesus, and that belief sustained them through the ultimate sacrifice.

Jesus invites each of us to be generous in carrying our own cross. It might come in the form of illness, job loss, personal trials, or suffering. But in every situation, Jesus asks, “Can you be generous in carrying this cross?” For it is through our crosses that we glorify Him, doing God’s will rather than our own. In the end, by faithfully embracing the cross, we will find redemption and a place in heaven, in the company of all the saints, enjoying eternity in the presence of God’s love and generosity.