The Cross is a Door

Within the cross is life
And consolation.
It alone is the road
Leading to heaven.

This sacred cross,
An olive tree so dear,
With its oil anoints us
Giving us light.
My soul, take up this cross
Rich with consolations great.
It alone is the road
Leading to heaven.

Saint Teresa of Avila

Poetry, 19 (excerpt)
The Way of the Cross

In my prayer recently, I heard the voice of the Bridegroom say, “Tell them that the entrance to the eternal wedding is cruciform. My brides must resemble their Bridegroom. Remember, the Cross is only the door and what awaits within is joy beyond their understanding.”

I have spent several weeks praying and meditating on these words and want to share with you what I have come to understand.

God in His goodness and mercy, sent His only Son to live, suffer, die, and rise again so that His loving obedience might open the door to the eternal marriage for all souls.

His path is ours. His brides must resemble Him. We must pass through the cruciform doorway in order to enter the eternal marriage feast and forever be one with our Divine Bridegroom.

Understanding, as much as my little human mind can, this truth has shifted my perspective on pain and suffering.

This we know and believe: The Cross is not the end of our Bridegroom’s story. It is the marriage bed from which our redemption was born.

Whatever suffering you are enduring in this season is not the end of your story. It is in your suffering that Christ invites you into intimacy and union with Him. As He carries your cross with you, He leads you up the spiraling ascent of the mountain of God - the unique path He has planned just for you. And He alone knows the way you need to travel to arrive at the resurrection and redemption He has awaiting you.

Father God, grant us the grace to embrace every suffering, You allow, in this earthly pilgrimage with loving obedience just as our Bridegroom embraced His Cross. Give us eyes to see trials and tribulations as marriage preparation and steps toward an eternity of joy! Draw us in His footsteps so we may pass through the cruciform gate that leads to the unveiled vision of Jesus in all His glory and beauty. Amen.

Laura Ercolino, Copyright 2025

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