Over a span of 4 weeks, I had been asked to officiate as a deacon at three funerals. Two of them were a challenge. In one case the person and their family struggled with the pain of alcoholism. In another, the deceased and family struggled with suffering and the extreme pain of a burst colon.

Not sure what to say, I went immediately to prayer asking the Holy Spirit for His direction and help. The direction He gave was to address head on the pain of alcoholism and suffering, and to call to mind our reason to have hope.

In Lamentations 3:17-26 we read that God’s favors are not exhausted; His mercies not spent, for they are renewed each morning. God is faithful and my portion. Therefore, I hope and await His saving help.

In Romans 5:1-11 we find that we can be at peace even in the midst of suffering through Jesus who gives us access to sharing in the glory of God. St. Paul goes on and says that suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Suffering, Pope Benedict XVI said, is a part of our human experience. It stems from our finite condition as humans and is a fruit of sin. We often times think suffering is a sign that God has abandoned us and we seek to eradicate it quickly. But suffering is an invitation into closer union with Jesus. Benedict encourages us that we must do all we can to overcome suffering, but we cannot banish it from the world altogether because it is not in our power as finite creatures. Only God is able to eliminate the power of evil and He does so by entering human history, making Himself man, and then suffering within history and redeeming it. He transforms the darkness of suffering into light. Instead of evil being unleashed within man, His light shines victorious. We are not to avoid, withdraw, sidestep or flee from suffering; but to embrace it and join it to Jesus, who through His Cross and resurrection, truly brings about our inner healing.

Faith enables us to think as God does and to know in moments of suffering that God is my help. The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus challenges us to see the Cross, not as death but life. Not as defeat but as victory. Not as tragedy but as triumph.

Jesus tells us in John 6, that if we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have life and will live forever. He makes it clear that the cross and suffering come before the victory. In Luke 23, Jesus tells the repentant thief, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” So, what is the point? Jesus transforms suffering into victory, peace, healing, hope, and joy. In the midst of our suffering and torments, the star of hope has risen. Because Jesus lives, so can I.

For Reflection:

Do I seek the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the challenges I face in life? Do I see suffering as a sign that God does not care or as an invitation to deeper intimacy with Him? How can the Cross of Jesus be a star of hope and victory in the midst of my suffering?

Prayer:
Jesus, suffering doesn’t make any sense to me, yet You suffered. In fact, You embraced suffering in order to redeem suffering and our broken humanity. Help me never to forget the power, the victory, and the peace that Your Cross and Resurrection can bring me.

(blogged October 1, 2024)
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