To Live is to Suffer | Perilous World Radio 12/31/24

As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year's Eve of 2024, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. Welcome to the final broadcast of Perilous World Radio for the year, where our charismatic host, Alan Masters, takes center stage. With a thoughtful demeanor, he begins the show by delving into the profound and often overlooked topic of “suffering.” In his hands, Alan holds a well-worn pamphlet authored by his father in 1974, titled “Stress & Suffering.” The pages areworn with age, a testament to the wisdom contained within. As the discussion unfolds, Alan guides listeners through the complex landscape of mental and spiritual anguish, inviting them to reflect on their experiences. He poses a daring question that resonates deeply: “What is your suffering?” With this query, he encourages a moment of introspection, setting the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue as the year comes to a close. Have you ever considered what it would take to truly put an end to your suffering? I often find myself yearning for a resolution to my own struggles. It prompts an important question: what is required to achieve this? It’s vital to seek wisdom in our pursuits; wisdom that guides us toward understanding the nature of our challenges. As the teachings suggest, it's essential to prioritize seeking the Kingdom of Heaven above all else, trusting that everything else will follow in due time. In this pursuit, it’s not just about asking for wisdom but genuinely engaging with the first principles of truth—understanding them deeply and then taking action based on that understanding. When we do so, we may discover that our suffering gradually diminishes. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that pain and hardship will still occasionally visit us. Just the other day, for instance, I twisted my back in an awkward position, rendering me almost unable to walk. In that moment of discomfort, I found myself reflecting on the journey I’ve had. I felt immense gratitude for the times I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid such suffering. However, I also recognize that suffering is an inevitable part of life; it tests our character and our resilience. When we encounter suffering, it's natural to feel anger—anger towards our circumstances or even towards God, questioning why we are burdened with such trials. "God, you have the power to free me from this pain! Why must I endure this suffering?" we might exclaim. But perhaps part of the human experience is to embrace suffering with dignity. While we endure these moments of pain, we might still find value and clarity in our reflections. These moments could offer us insights, allowing us to ponder the deeper meanings of our existence. So, in the midst of our challenges, we must remind ourselves to take a moment to think and to find our way through.