The Inspiring Story of Garvan Byrne, posted earlier today, also reminds me of something Pope Benedict wrote in his second encyclical, Spe Salvi:
It is not by sidestepping or fleeing from suffering that we are healed, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love. (37)
…and this passage from 1 Peter that was the first reading at Mass this Monday:
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
Perseverance through suffering prepares us for the joy of eternal life.
2 Comments on “Added Inspiration”
Great stuff! God is infinitely more powerful than the worst of sufferings. Hey Chelsea, do you think we can say that, through Christ, the evil of suffering actually becomes a great gift because it is an invitation to cooperate with Him in His redemption of mankind?
God bless,
Bob
I think that’s a fair assessment. In light of the Cross, suffering takes on a whole new meaning – it actually HAS meaning!