CCC 618

The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God and men".⁴⁵² 1 Tim 2:5. But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, "the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" is offered to all men.⁴⁵³ GS 22 # 5; cf. # 2. He calls his disciples to "take up [their] cross and follow (him)",⁴⁵⁴ Mt 16:24. for "Christ also suffered for (us), leaving (us) an example so that (we) should follow in his steps."⁴⁵⁵ I Pt 2:21. In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries.⁴⁵⁶ Cf Mk 10:39; Jn 21:18-19; Col 1:24. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering.⁴⁵⁷ Cf. Lk 2:35. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.⁴⁵⁸ St. Rose of Lima: cf. P. Hansen, Vita mirabilis (Louvain, 1668).