To answer this question, it is important to reflect on the moments when we do not suffer.
A child who is integrated with friends at school, with their family, and with their neighbors is generally happy. A man who is connected with his family, has good dialogue with his children and wife, and maintains good relationships with colleagues at work is generally happy.
Suffering begins when isolation starts.
A child at school may think they are more beautiful than others and begin to isolate themselves. Another child may believe their group is better than another, leading to isolation.
Isolation is a result of thought.
Thoughts are limited; they are fences that separate us from others. A person who thinks they are the best, or more important than others, often creates isolation—a vast separation through status, possessions, and other distinctions.
Thoughts create our self-image.
Our self-image is a product of our desires. This self-image resists integration because it feels complete and fulfilled by itself. It suffers when someone disagrees with it, neglects it, treats it poorly, or challenges it.
The mystery of the cross, one of its profound meanings, lies in integration.
In every moment, we have the opportunity—a metaphorical point—to create a “cross” or not. If we embrace the moment without thought, without expressing the self-image that separates us, then we can create a cross, a form of integration. This integration arises from a silent mind, enabling us to perfectly connect with events and states. For example, a father who is aware can make decisions with deep wisdom on how to educate his child.
Creating a cross is not an easy task.
To form a cross in any relationship, we need awareness, presence, and a deep understanding of our inner states. We must act free from the influence of fear, desires, hatred, envy, self-importance, or anger. If we are controlled by these elements, they prevent us from building our cross.
Jesus created His own cross.
As a carpenter, He symbolically constructed His cross, teaching us the importance of building our own cross with life’s events and our internal states. We must carry this cross until the end, representing our commitments.
Commitments are crosses.
All commitments become a cross; we must nurture and uphold them, ensuring they align with our ultimate commitment to God. When our smaller commitments align with this greater commitment, we create integration with our inner being. This integration allows us to unite the different autonomous parts of ourselves.
Each part of our being is a cross.
We must build connections—crosses—between these parts, establishing commitments and working through struggles to strengthen these relationships. Each challenge we overcome, each difficulty we face with love and freedom instead of mechanical reactions or negative emotions, becomes a small cross. These small crosses collectively form the great cross.
This great cross represents our integration with God.
When we create these small integrations—with people, with nature—we are moving closer to God. God sees all and can do all. If we are integrated with the One who sees all and can do all, He can advocate for us in times of need.
In conclusion, the cross is our goal.
When we observe ourselves moment by moment, we create integrations within the different parts of our being. Through meditation, prayer, and reflection, we develop our cross. When we strive to understand others’ perspectives, we construct our cross. When we regret our mistakes and reconcile with wisdom, we create a cross within ourselves. By combining analysis and resignation, we develop this great cross that unites the small ones. Through this process, we can eliminate suffering by learning to build, carry, and ultimately transcend our cross, giving us the right to resurrect into eternal life.
