Glory Through the Cross
In order to enter the habitation of the Blessed, we must become images of the Crucified. But we can become such only through tribulations. (OCL, I, 194, p. 290)
According to St. Vincent Pallotti, a person experiences glory only through the cross. No one can think of reaching the state of glory without going through the state of suffering and tribulation. This is very clear from the life of Jesus himself. His suffering and death are preludes to his resurrection. The glory of the resurrection comes about as the consequence of his suffering and death. Therefore, for St. Vincent, in order for a person to become worthy of the glory of God’s kingdom, he must become the image of the crucified Lord Jesus. Becoming the image of the crucified Lord implies accepting tribulations and hardship in a person’s life in imitation of Jesus, the Crucified. Jesus encounters sufferings throughout his life. At his birth, Jesus’ life is under threat. His life in the home of Nazareth does have its share of tribulations. During his public ministry, despite his good will towards the Jewish leadership, they wait for opportunities to find fault with him. Towards the last days of Jesus’ life, he willingly accepts mental agony and physical pain, different forms of suffering during his passion, crucifixion, and finally death. Hence, St. Vincent’s invitation to become the image of the crucified implies that a person is ready to accept joyfully and live courageously the sufferings of the human situation in the spirit with which Jesus accepted his sufferings and lived them. If a person accepts his suffering with the spirit of Jesus, then he would definitely attain the glory, like Jesus.
Do I believe that I can attain glory only through the cross? Do I live my life as an image of Jesus, the Crucified? Do I accept the sufferings that come into my life, in the manner which Christ accepted his sufferings? By accepting suffering and living it joyfully, do I make myself ready for the eternal blessedness with God?
For you had compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. (Heb. 10: 34)