Manuel,
"Offer it up" was a frequent expression shared among Roman Catholics when I was growing up as a Roman Catholic. You still hear it a lot among the older generation and those who have picked it up from them. Back then(40's and 50's) I think it meant that as a person faced a problem or a difficult situation one was to sort of accept it as part of the 'given' of our Catholic lives--and make it a sacrifice to God. We didn't think in terms of 'challenges' and 'opportunities'(for growth) or 'over-coming' so much then as we did - generally 'accepting' whatever it was and going on as best we could.
But for me now when difficulties arise I think first more in terms of praying for change(I am the one who usually needs to change) grace, intervention, healing, help, or what good can come out of a difficult situation or problem(like when I had cancer 15 years ago) etc. but always in seeking and doing God's will in the situation. Prayer and obedience.
Another thing then and now would be to do as Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." However, the emphasis in my youth was mostly on the "taking up of the cross", but now the emphasis in my maturity is on the "follow me." But I really think we can't have one without the other.
In that context "Offering it up" to me is like making an oblation. One gives the matter over to God, but acts if necessary. Easier said then done, however, at least for me who would like to be 'in charge.'and move on. So patience and waiting is all part of the process too.
God's ways are not our ways and as the old t.v. series goes---- "Father knows best." So, too, our Heavenly Father knows best and always has the bigger picture. Some things are a mystery to our understanding too and whether we say, "offer it up" or "give it over to God" we are in good hands. Trusting is the key.
I agree with the others though--basically it is the same thought with maybe slightly different emphasis from what I can see - East and West
Eastern Christians (and many in the West) are looking to the Resurrection, the Joy of the Lord, the Celebration of Liturgy and Life - which is our strength. This does not negate the Cross of Jesus or the crosses of life- just gives them ---
meaning
Thanks for posting this- it has given me reason to ponder.
In Christ,
Mary Jo..gratefully.