“So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.”

Coming to Holy Week I am often struck by the processions that highlight each liturgy…the Procession of Palms on Sunday, the Procession of the Eucharist on Thursday, and today, the Procession and Veneration of the Cross. Today’s procession is much different from the others. It is stark and solemn, marking the lonely procession Jesus made to Calvary. Led by a single solemn voice we hear “This is the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world!”

Each year this procession starts at a different point in our lives. The crosses we bear are often different with each year or perhaps the same but with other circumstances. As we watch each person venerate the cross let it be a reminder that we are not alone in our procession in life. Together we process, carrying our own cross, encouraged by our faith that we do not carry this cross alone – Jesus carries it with each and every one of us. Today’s procession doesn’t end at Calvary. This procession brings us to the promise of new life breathed into our burdened souls, knowing that Jesus walked it first and walked it for us. We sit in reflection today knowing that at the Vigil the next procession begins with a candle and a single joyful voice singing “Christ, our Light” – the promise of salvation.