Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

My Lord,
I desire to take up my cross as I follow in your footsteps.
It is the cross which is offered to me every day,
and not one which I would like to make for myself.
Through my daily sufferings
you are admitting me to your Kingdom.
Do not allow my sufferings to make me complain.
On the contrary: may they help to save me;
Give me the strength to accept them;
Give me real happiness in the midst of the thorns;
Oh Jesus Christ, grant me the grace to share in your Cross.