SEVEN BLESSINGS HIDDEN IN SUFFERING

“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” - Colossians 1:24

In the Catholic understanding of Christian life, suffering, when united with the Passion of Christ and offered to God with faith and love, can become a profound means of sanctification. Suffering does not mean that God has abandoned us. Rather, when accepted and offered to Christ, it can become an occasion for deeper conversion, spiritual growth, intercession and participation in Christ’s redemptive suffering.

1. Receiving Corresponding Spiritual Gifts and Charisms:

God can bring spiritual fruit from our experiences of suffering and healing. He may give us special graces and charisms to accompany, encourage and pray for others going through the same trial for the building up of the Church and the service of others.

2. Receiving Power to Bind and Cast Out Demons:

Suffering united with Christ strengthens our spiritual life. Through prayer, perseverance and God’s grace, we receive courage to resist evil, renounce it, and place every wound, fear and struggle at the feet of the Lord.

3. Grace to Overcome Temptations:

Trials become opportunities for spiritual purification. When we remain faithful in suffering, we learn dependence on God’s grace. Suffering deepens prayer, strengthens virtues and helps us resist temptations. God can transform our weaknesses into opportunities for holiness.

4. Cancellation of Purgatory Fully or Partially:

By patiently offering our sufferings, prayers, sacrifices and acts of love to God, we participate in Christ’s Passion. Through God’s mercy, these can contribute to our purification and sanctification. Ultimately, our hope rests in the mercy of God.

5. Cancellation of Purgatory of Our Dear Ones Fully or Partially:

Our prayers, sacrifices, acts of charity and offerings can become intercession for our departed family members and loved ones. United with Christ, we can ask the Lord to apply these prayers and sacrifices for their purification and eternal rest.

6. The Gift of Spiritual Joy:

Genuine joy can exist even in pain when our hearts are united with Christ. Saints show us that trials can deepen our union with God and fill our hearts with profound peace and joy.

7. The Grace of Healing and the Witness of Testimony:

We pray for healing while submitting to God’s will. When granted, healing becomes a testimony to His mercy. Even when physical healing does not occur, God gives consolation, courage, peace, strength and a deeper union with Christ. He Himself is our greatest healing and treasure.

GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OR SOURCE OF SUFFERING AND DEATH. THEN WHO IS?

God created man and woman in Paradise a place of peace, harmony and prosperity not of struggle and suffering. Suffering and death entered the world through original sin. Satan is the source of evil, sin and death. He rebelled against God and through his dominion brought suffering into the world. Christ came to restore humanity, defeat evil and its consequences sin and death and to give abundant life. He took upon Himself the consequences of our sin and suffering through His Passion, Death and Resurrection.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” - John 10:10.