He who does not bear his cross

Man has always been a part of nature. In recent decades, it has been increasingly plundered, used, abused, and turned into a business. If we want to leave the earth to future generations in the same state we found it, we must take care of it. The Queen of England has swans under her protection, and, according to tradition, all swans in her empire are also her property. But not every living creature can be so lucky. In the interest of preserving the vital earth, we must heed Alby Mangels’ warning from the World Safari series: “If we cut down the last tree, we will find that money cannot be breathed. If we catch the last fish, we will find that money cannot be eaten. If we foul the last river, we will find that money cannot be drunk.”

“If anyone comes to me and loves his father and mother more than me, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” This is the great challenge of Jesus Christ.

As small child, I was sitting in the kitchen watching my mother prepare breakfast. The fat in the pan where she was frying bacon suddenly caught fire. Flames shot up, and my mother ran to the pantry for flour to put out the small fire. “Help!” I cried, adding, “Oh, if only it were time to pray!” In our home, we often used the expression “time to pray,” and I took it literally. I thought that we could pray only at certain set times.

There is a time for prayer at any time. This is especially true when we need it. Fear, worry, anxiety, and distress are the most common occasions for prayer. We naturally resort to prayer when we are downhearted, distressed, and without help from people. We cry out in David’s words: “O God, come to my aid, O Lord, make haste to help me” (Ps 70:2).

John Cassian, a Christian living in the 5th century, wrote of this verse: “It is the cry of terror of one who sees the wiles of the enemy, is besieged day and night, and cries out that he cannot escape these plots unless his Protector comes to his rescue.” We pray in times of trouble, but also throughout the day: “O God, help me!”