Grappling With Divinity

Jesus suffered on the cross
not to save us from suffering
because we will suffer
we will weep
we will grieve
we will mourn
Jesus suffered on the cross
to share in our suffering
in compassion
in solidarity
in communion
with us
as an example
for us to follow
as we suffer with and for
those we love
as we are commanded
to love one and all
in and alongside
the one who loves us

~Robert Van Valkenburgh