These two disciples gave up on Christ because of the cross. They were walking away from the community of apostles and Christ's followers - leaving the Church. They simply can't understand how salvation can come out of the Cross, victory out of defeat. So they give up. We too face the temptation of fear and discouragement when crosses come into our lives. In fact, we all know Catholics who have left the Church, just as these two disciples were leaving Jerusalem, because the Cross crushed their hope, and they became cynical, angry. What will prevent us from abandoning our Lord and our hope when we feel the weight of the Cross? The same thing that rescued these two sad disciples: conversation with Christ - prayer. Prayer is the source of light and strength for the Christian.