The Crowning Of Thorns.

I'm working on a talk for a Catholic camp program. I might use this, but edit parts.
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As I have stated in previous posts, I love to meditate on Christ's passion, especially the crowning of thorns.
Why, you ask? Because, we have many of our own "thorns"--things that bother us. Meditating upon the suffering Jesus experienced when the crown of thorns was placed upon his head will teach us to accept suffering in our own life.

If you're praying the Rosary and meditating on the Crowning of Thorns, you will see that the fruit of the mystery is: Courage. To get through suffering, we should always pray for fortitude/courage, so that we can do what's right no matter how difficult it may be.
Everyone needs courage to keep persevering, to keep carrying their cross. Without it, and without prayer, we will most definitely fall.

I believe for a lot of people, it's hard to pray during the hard times. I never understood why, because I've never had this problem, personally. I've always felt closer to God through suffering. There's only one thing I can think of and it's this:
There's people that must not be well educated in the whole suffering aspect, and don't even how to deal with it. And I'm not even sure people know the greatness that can come from it.




Suffering can......

*Save souls.
Let's say you have a horrible flu-bug. This would be considered as a "thorn". You have a choice to waste this suffering by complaining, or you can bring good from it. You can offer that up for the conversion of sinners/souls in purgatory..which would be the good thing to do.

*Can show you how to love.
*Bring you closer to Jesus.

St. Teresa of Avila said:

"We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had
to bear the greatest trials."

Right now, you may not be suffering the greatest trials.
Maybe you have yet to face them. Maybe you already have though. Maybe a family member passed away. Maybe your parents got a divorce. Whatever it is, these are sufferings that we can take to Jesus. Even if it's small!

Our Lord's suffering is still going on. One of the last things he said was: "I thirst". His thirst was not for water, but for love. He desires for all mankind to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.
If we are suffering, then let's cling to Jesus, who has suffered the most.
Begin by simply telling God how you feel, it doesn't have to be long. Sometimes "Jesus, help me" is enough. But, by running to Him in a time of distress, we are being a bit more like Christ.
Even Jesus ran to the Father during His hardships.


The Rosary is a wonderful way to get familiar with the life of Jesus. Mary will show you just how much her Son suffered through the Rosary. Suffering is not an easy thing, but this is why we have Our Lady. She will shed down the graces we need to get through anything. Pray for strength. Pray for perseverence. Pray for courage.


On good Friday, really meditate on the suffering that Christ through. Allow it to really touch you.
Unite your sufferings with HIS, and you will begin to feel a transformation.