CHRISTIAN SUFFERING AND THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
We should always keep in mind, whatever may come our way, good, bad or in-between, especially when we face our own death, to conform ourselves to Christ, recalling “that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18)
I want to share some insights from Pope St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter on the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering entitled, Salvifici Doloris (“redemptive suffering”), published in 1984.
Suffering, like all human things, finds its true meaning in Jesus Christ. It is both a burden and a joy. Why it is a burden is evident; why it is a joy requires reflection into the mystery of redemption in Jesus Christ. Suffering is a constant theme throughout human existence. Human suffering is deeper than animal pain, because suffering is transcendent and involves a sense of injustice. Redemption came through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross: it came through suffering. Thus, our redemption is directly related to Christ’s suffering, and our suffering is linked somehow to our redemption. Suffering leads to compassion, respect, and intimidation. (cf. No.1-8)
The “why” of suffering is answered truly in the revelation of divine love: God gives the definitive answer and solution to the problem of suffering through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. Suffering for Christ also means suffering for His Kingdom, which means suffering for others as well. This participation in suffering “makes us worthy” of that Kingdom, so we are in a sense repaying the infinite price of Christ’s Passion and death. (cf. No.13-21)
Suffering is a trial, but in our weakness, the glory and strength of Christ is made manifest, as St. Paul pointed out. Christ’s “weakness” in being “lifted up” in the Crucifixion was infused with power because of its redemptive quality. So too, Christians who suffer on account of Christ have no need to feel shame. Suffering leads to endurance, which leads to character, which leads to hope; thus, suffering is a call for virtue. (cf. No. 23)
God has always chosen to be vulnerable, from Creator to Savior. In His freedom and demonstration of His love toward all creation, especially humankind, He has shown us a spectrum of His own suffering. There is no greater demonstration of suffering than Jesus’ death on the cross. There is plenty of time spent in the Gospels describing the torture that led to Calvary and the pain Jesus suffered while nailed to a piece of wood. Jesus paid for our salvation. Through Jesus’ pain and suffering, we see a God who is relationally intimate with all creation. We also see that Jesus experienced very human emotions, just like us.
WHY DOES THE INNOCENT SUFFER?
To Be Continued…
Mystical Rose, Pray for us!!!
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