Through the Cross to the Light

 

Modern society neurotically or paranoidly avoids contrition, suffering, peril and death. It secures everything with seatbelts and safety rails, air conditions the summer. heats the winter, prints warnings on foodstuff, plastic storage containers, play toys... and advises that safety glasses should be worn while working with hammers, lawn mowers, edging tools... There is little doubt, such safeguards have prevented misfortune. Nevertheless, since heroism and the quality of excelling are born from confronting rather than avoiding remorse, suffering, peril and death, the mania for safeguards has also diminished the notion of these qualities. This is regrettable since only those intrepid souls who confront danger, endure suffering and overcome obstacles merit mention in the annals of history. The Catholic Church has a saying that reads: “Per Crucem ad Lucem” that translates “Through the Cross to the Light.” In a word, he will be enshrined in those souls who reject mediocrity or ordinariness and aspire to greatness.