The Good News from Sunday’s second Mass reading:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us (Rom. 8:18)
This is the hope that must always be before us:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Yes, whatever we suffer in this life is nothing compared to the joy that awaits us. We have the joy of salvation and ever-lasting life where every tear will be wiped away and mourning, crying and pain will be no more (Rev. 21: 3-4). Suffering in this life is unavoidable and often unbearable, but we must never violate human dignity to avoid it. We may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials, but this is so that our faith, which is “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” (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
Perseverance through suffering prepares us for the joy of eternal life.
One Comment on “Present Sufferings are as Nothing”
I like your blog! I’m American and I live on a farm in Scotland (I’m married to a Scottish farmer) and I’m 5 months pregnant with our first baby. That quote from Pope Benedict is very interesting ~ about how children are viewed as a threat to the present… that’s so true!! GOD BLESS!