Since through
the forty-day Fast we are also crucified in a
certain way, deadened as we are by the passions,
and feel a sense of bitterness, so that we
become exhausted and fall down, for this reason
the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is set forth,
to refresh and strengthen us, and to remind us
of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It exhorts us
with this thought: If our God was crucified for
us, how much ought we to do for Him! It lightens
our burdens by comparing them with the
afflictions of the Master. It reminds us of the
glory that comes through the Cross and gives us
the hope of this glory. For, as our Savior
ascended the Cross and was glorified by being
led around dishonorably, and by the bitter
treatment that He received, so must we also act,
in order that we may be glorified with Him, even
if we suffer some unpleasantness for a time.
"By the power
of Thy Cross, O Christ our God, protect us from
the assaults of the Evil One, and vouchsafe us,
having passed through the arena of the forty
days with ease, to venerate Thy Divine Passion
and Thy Life-Bearing Resurrection and have mercy
on us, for Thou alone art good and loves
mankind."
