holy crossJohn 3:13-17

How many Christians can witness to personal  experiences of gazing up at Jesus on the cross, praying for strength to make it though sufferings —  and experiencing  Jesus’ presence.  This presence with Jesus — sharing, as it were, his eternal life — becomes the strength we need, not only to live through our sufferings, but to be transformed by them to a deeper union with Jesus. ( Creighton University on line)