Episode 1777: Suck it up and suffer

You hear the expression “No Pain no Gain.” Well interestingly enough that comes from 2nd Century AD: A form of the expression from the Jewish text "Pirkei Avot (pur-kay-a-vuht,) stating "According to the pain is the reward" emphasizing spiritual growth through struggle.
So the ultimate question is “Why does Christ want us to suffer?.” The answer is quite simple. To make us love him. See Christ is a very jealous lover as they say. He wants you to have him on your mind every minute of the day. Not just two or three times when we pray but all day long. Do you believe that?
Padre Pio said “If you knew how important suffering was to Christ you’d hold onto it and prize it rather than trying to avoid it”
Bishop Sheen said “When I pass a hospital all I can think is oh what wasted suffering”
You will hear married couples say the greatest time in their marriage was when they had to suffer through some tough times together.
Now why is this true?
The Catholic Church has a rich and nuanced perspective on suffering, rooted in its theological understanding of humanity and its relationship with God. Here are some key aspects:

1. Suffering as a consequence of sin: The Catholic Church teaches that human suffering ultimately stems from the original sin committed by Adam and Eve, which introduced both sin and death into the world. This original sin disrupted the perfect relationship between God and humanity, and its consequences continue to be felt even by those who have not personally sinned.

2. Suffering as a path to redemption: While suffering is seen as a consequence of sin, it can also be viewed as an opportunity for personal growth and redemption. Through suffering, individuals can learn humility, compassion, and strength. They can also grow closer to God through prayer and seeking His grace.

3. The mystery of suffering: Ultimately, the Catholic Church acknowledges that the full extent of suffering and its purpose remain a mystery. It is a reality that God allows, even though He desires only good for His creation. The Church encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even in the midst of suffering.

4. Importance of community and support: The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of community and support during times of suffering. Through the sacraments, prayer, and the fellowship of other believers, individuals can find solace and strength to cope with their pain.

5. Hope in the midst of suffering: Despite the reality of suffering, the Catholic Church offers a message of hope. Christians believe that Jesus Christ, through his own suffering and death on the cross, has conquered sin and death. This victory offers hope for ultimate redemption and eternal life, even in the face of present suffering.
But what did Christ say about suffering?
1. Beatitudes: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents the Beatitudes, where he declares blessings upon those who suffer hardship for righteousness' sake, mourn, are persecuted, and endure insults (Matthew 5:1-12). Here, he reframes suffering as a potential path to spiritual growth and God's favor.

2. Teachings on self-denial and sacrifice: Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-denial and taking up one is cross to follow him (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34). This suggests that some degree of suffering may be inevitable in Christian life, but it ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with God and service to others.

3. Parables of suffering: Jesus uses parables to illustrate the nature of suffering and God's response to it. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) highlights the joy of repentance and God's overwhelming love even after significant suffering. The parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) emphasizes that even small acts of faith can overcome immense challenges.

4. Predictions of his own suffering and death: Throughout his ministry, Jesus openly predicts his own crucifixion and the persecution his disciples would face (Matthew 26:64, John 16:33). By embracing his own suffering, he demonstrates that even the Son of God experiences hardship, offering hope and solidarity to those who endure similar challenges.

5. Call to compassion and service: Jesus consistently teaches his followers to respond to the suffering of others with compassion and active service. He emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick, poor, and vulnerable (Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:25-37). In this way, suffering becomes an opportunity to embody Christ's love and bring relief to those in need.

Remember, Jesus' teachings on suffering offer both comfort and challenge. He acknowledges the reality of pain and hardship, but also reveals its potential for spiritual growth and service to God and others. As you explore these passages further, remember to seek guidance from spiritual resources and engage in personal reflection to deepen your understanding of Christ's message in the context of your own life experiences.
Is there a redemptive power of suffering? Lets see what the great saints say.

St. Augustine: "God allows us to experience even physical pain... in order that in this way we may be purified from the dregs of our sins."
St. Teresa of Calcutta: "Suffering is a call to grow closer to God. It is part of His plan for us, an opportunity to share in His suffering on the cross."
St. Maximilian Kolbe: "For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more!" (Spoken before sacrificing himself to save a stranger in Auschwitz)
On finding meaning and growth through suffering:
St. Francis of Assisi: "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
St. Ignatius of Loyola: "Whatever may happen to me, whether consolation or desolation, life or death, it is all the same to me, provided only that God's will be done."
St. John Vianney: "The soul does not grow except in the shade of the cross."
On offering suffering for others:
St. Therese of Lisieux: "I offer all my pains for the Church, for its priests, for missionaries, for the conversion of sinners."
St. Mother Teresa: "Every action done in love will bear fruit." (Referring to acts of selfless service often performed alongside suffering individuals)
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati: "To find Jesus, it is enough to go out. Go out to others—you will find Him in the poor." (Emphasizing service and solidarity with those in need)

On trusting in God amidst suffering:
St. Thomas Aquinas: "God allows certain evils to exist in the world... not as though He Himself were the author of evil, but because He is good."
St. Catherine of Siena: "In every pain, if you suffer it lovingly, God's light enters the soul."
St. Paul: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
We all know the great and many times in our lives that we suffered but I bet most of you thought they were somewhat worthless. No they were not. They were there for either a wake-up call or for redemptive value. So instead of kicking the wall or getting sad, suck it up and suffer. Suffer for Christ and then smile.