Through the ages, the Cross is victorious.
The message of Holy Week is clear: No Cross, no crown. No pain, no gain. No guts, no glory. There is no Easter Sunday without first passing through Good Friday. So for he who desires an eternal reward, let him pick up his Cross and mortify himself and follow the Lord; for there is no other path to salvation.
And unlike any man-made pursuit, victory is assured for those who persevere.