O loving Lord, as I think again about Your crucifixion and death, help me to realize that it is necessary for me to voluntarily embrace life’s challenges so that I may truly come to a deeper   understanding of life’s purpose. Help me to see in Your cross, the way to my own salvation, knowing that it is the way that I live my life and accept the crosses of life that will lead me to a deeper union with You. Help me to realize that the crosses of my life, if willingly accepted with nobility and courage, can only lead to greater union with You. As I request Your help, O God, I offer my praise to You, Who I know to be Father, Son and Holy Spirit, not only now but forever and ever. Amen