We can be heirs with Christ "if only we suffer with Him so as to be glorified with Him". Paul's words echo the call of Christ to take up our cross and follow Him. After His Resurrection Jesus affirmed that the Messiah had to suffer and so enter into His glory. Such talk of suffering and crosses can be quite threatening, perhaps even depressing. We do not want to suffer physically. We are afraid of getting seriously ill especially if it means great pain. Yet, Jesus never said that the cross had to mean intense physical suffering. For most of us, the cross will mean something else. In the modern world with its materialistic allurements, it requires much strength of character and a vigorous faith to remain faithful to our religion. Frequently, then, the cross may mean something like remaining hopeful on a human level and keeping one's heart open to God. The Psalmist proclaims that "the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice". This is not to say that those who are faithful to God have no suffering in their lives. Jesus never made us such empty promises. Our consolation lies not in the absence of suffering or difficulties, but in the promise that these will purify us and lead us into glory, the glory of the Risen Jesus.