Episode 1952: Embracing the Mystery: Our Suffering in the Passion of Christ

Today, we will delve into the profound words of St. Thomas Aquinas and Fr. Hubert van Zeller
So let’s start with St Thomas who said "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
Let's unpack this powerful quote and explore its implications in our lives today.
Faith is a cornerstone of the Catholic tradition, yet it's often misunderstood in a modern context. St. Thomas reminds us that faith transcends mere intellectual comprehension. It's a gift from God, a deep conviction that goes beyond logical reasoning.
For those who have faith, the mysteries of God are not mere puzzles to be solved but profound truths to be embraced. It's a lens through which we perceive the world, guiding our actions and shaping our understanding of reality.
St. Thomas suggests that to explain faith to someone without it is akin to describing the colors of the sunset to a blind person. It's not that faith is irrational or illogical, but rather that its essence surpasses human comprehension. It's a matter of the heart, not just the mind.
In our modern age, where skepticism and doubt often reign supreme, the wisdom of St. Thomas reminds us of the importance of humility in our pursuit of understanding. We must recognize the limits of human reason and open ourselves to the possibility of truths that transcend our intellect.
So, how can we cultivate faith in our lives? St. Thomas teaches us that faith is nurtured through prayer, reflection, and a willingness to surrender ourselves to God's will. It's about trusting in His wisdom even when we don't fully comprehend it.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us take inspiration from St. Thomas Aquinas and embrace the transformative power of faith. May we become like the mustard seed, small yet full of potential, trusting in God's providence even in the face of uncertainty.
"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary": This part of the quote emphasizes the transformative power of faith. For those who possess genuine faith, the mysteries of God, His teachings, and the truths of the Catholic faith are not merely intellectual concepts that require logical explanations. Instead, faith itself becomes a lens through which they perceive reality. Faith brings a deep understanding and conviction that goes beyond human reasoning. It's an intuitive understanding that comes from a personal relationship with God.

"To one without faith, no explanation is possible": St. Thomas Aquinas suggests that without faith, it's challenging, if not impossible, to fully comprehend the truths of the Catholic faith. This doesn't imply that the faith is unreasonable or illogical. Rather, it acknowledges that faith involves a dimension beyond mere rationality. Without the gift of faith, the teachings and mysteries of the Church may seem obscure or even nonsensical to those who rely solely on human reason.

From a traditional Catholic perspective, this quote underscores the importance of faith as a gift from God that allows believers to grasp spiritual truths and live out their beliefs with conviction. It also highlights the limitations of human reason in fully understanding the mysteries of God without the illumination of faith.
Now lets turn to Fr. Hubert van Zeller but as always before I provide you with his quote let me tell you who he was?
Father Hubert van Zeller, born Hubert Charles Pierre van Zeller on May 13, 1905, was a prominent English Benedictine monk, author, and spiritual director. He spent much of his life dedicated to the service of God and the Catholic Church, leaving a lasting impact through his writings and pastoral work.

Van Zeller was born in England, into a family with a deep Catholic heritage. He entered the Benedictine order at a young age, joining the community of Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, England. He professed his solemn vows as a Benedictine monk, committing himself to a life of prayer, study, and service according to the Rule of St. Benedict.

Throughout his life, Father van Zeller demonstrated a keen intellect and a profound spirituality. He became known for his ability to communicate complex theological concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making him a beloved spiritual guide for many.

Father van Zeller's writings spanned various topics, including spirituality, prayer, and the Christian life. He authored numerous books, articles, and essays, which continue to inspire and enrich readers around the world. His works often reflected a deep understanding of the human condition and a profound love for God.

One of his notable contributions was his exploration of the mystery of suffering and its relationship to the Passion of Christ, as evidenced by the quote provided earlier. He delved into the profound theological implications of Christ's redemptive sacrifice and encouraged believers to unite their sufferings with His for spiritual growth and transformation.

Throughout his life, Father van Zeller also served as a spiritual director and retreat master, guiding individuals in their journey of faith and prayer. His compassionate and insightful guidance touched the lives of many, fostering spiritual renewal and growth.

Father Hubert van Zeller passed away on July 17, 1984, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, faith, and devotion to God. His writings continue to be cherished by Catholics and spiritual seekers alike, offering timeless insights into the Christian life and the mysteries of faith.
He said
“The Passion is described as the mystery of Christ’s suffering. It was a mystery at the time because people could not reconcile it with what they had expected. In the sense that we can never fully understand the idea of God suffering, the Passion is still a mystery. Now if our sufferings are somehow or other to fit into the Passion of Christ—and this is no fiction because this is where they belong—there will surely be an element of mystery about them. They will make demands on our faith.”
Father van Zeller beautifully articulates the depth of the Passion, describing it as a mystery that transcends human understanding. At the time of Christ's crucifixion, many struggled to reconcile the suffering of the Messiah with their expectations of a triumphant king. Even today, the idea of God enduring such agony remains unfathomable.
Let's break it down:
"The Passion is described as the mystery of Christ’s suffering": This acknowledges the central event of Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection as the mystery of His suffering. The word "mystery" here implies a profound truth that surpasses human comprehension and reveals divine wisdom.

"It was a mystery at the time because people could not reconcile it with what they had expected": This highlights the challenge faced by many during Christ's time, who anticipated a triumphant Messiah rather than a suffering servant. The unexpected nature of Christ's Passion puzzled and confused people, emphasizing the mystery surrounding it.
"In the sense that we can never fully understand the idea of God suffering, the Passion is still a mystery": Here, Fr. van Zeller underscores the unfathomable concept of God experiencing suffering. This aspect of the Passion remains beyond complete human understanding, emphasizing its mysterious nature.

"Now if our sufferings are somehow or other to fit into the Passion of Christ—and this is no fiction because this is where they belong—there will surely be an element of mystery about them": Fr. van Zeller suggests that when believers unite their own sufferings with the suffering of Christ, there remains an element of mystery. This act of joining our sufferings with Christ's involves a profound spiritual reality that transcends human comprehension.

"They will make demands on our faith": Finally, Fr. van Zeller emphasizes that embracing the mystery of suffering and its connection to the Passion of Christ requires a strong faith. It calls believers to trust in God's plan even when faced with the incomprehensible nature of suffering, recognizing that our sufferings find meaning and purpose in Christ's redemptive sacrifice.
Yet, Father van Zeller challenges us to recognize that our own sufferings can find meaning and belonging within the Passion of Christ. He suggests that our trials, if united with Christ's suffering, become part of a greater mystery—a mystery that calls upon our faith and trust in God's providence.
Our sufferings, though difficult to comprehend, are not devoid of purpose. When we offer them up in union with Christ's Passion, they become a means of participating in His redemptive work. They cease to be mere trials and instead become a pathway to deeper intimacy with God.
However, Father van Zeller reminds us that this union with Christ's suffering is not without its challenges. Just as the Passion remains a mystery, so too do our own sufferings when united with His. They demand a profound faith—a willingness to trust in God's plan even when it surpasses our understanding.
So, how do we embrace this mystery in our own lives? How do we find meaning in our suffering and unite it with the Passion of Christ? Father van Zeller encourages us to turn to prayer, to seek solace in the sacraments, and to entrust our burdens to the loving embrace of our Savior.
As we journey through the trials of life, may we take comfort in the knowledge that our sufferings are not in vain. They are part of a greater mystery—a mystery of love, redemption, and ultimate victory over sin and death.
Now let me end this episode by bringing in scripture.
James 3:13
"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom."
"Who among you is wise and understanding?": This rhetorical question prompts reflection on wisdom and understanding. In the context of the letter of James, wisdom refers not merely to intellectual knowledge but to a practical, lived-out wisdom rooted in God's truth.
"Let him show his works by a good life": True wisdom manifests itself in actions. It's not enough to claim wisdom or understanding; it must be demonstrated through righteous deeds. In traditional Catholic teaching, faith without works is dead (James 2:17), so this verse emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through virtuous actions.
"In the humility that comes from wisdom": Here, humility is highlighted as a key characteristic of genuine wisdom. True wisdom is accompanied by humility, recognizing one's dependence on God and the need for His grace. Traditional Catholic spirituality places a strong emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue, essential for spiritual growth and union with God.
In summary, James 3:13 calls believers to demonstrate their wisdom and understanding through a life of good works rooted in humility. It underscores the importance of integrating faith and action, emphasizing that genuine wisdom leads to a virtuous and humble way of life.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the mystery of Christ's suffering and its significance in our lives. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly and go out there and convert somebody. Good day.