Finding Value in Suffering
I would like to provide a brief background as to what inspired me to write the article below. Suffering comes in different forms. There are three ways in which I have been thinking about my own experiences of suffering in recent weeks. These are some of my recent experiences. Your present sufferings likely differ in some way. Everyone suffers differently.
- The first way in which my heart has suffered recently regards those who wish to legalize assisted suicide in New York State. The state assembly recently passed a bill to legalize assisted suicide in New York State. This bill is presently before the New York State Senate. I understand the physical pain that can come with some illnesses that might lead one to seek to escape the pain. However, it causes me emotional pain (suffering) to think one would end their life prematurely to escape the pain. (See my past articles on end of life issues, see also NYS Catholic Conference Action Alert – Legalized Suicide)
- I very much feel called to share what our faith teaches. One might think it would be easy to do this. It is not. We experience “interruptions” that keep us from what we want to do. We face resistance to what we feel we are called by God to do. I find myself at times suffering spiritually when I feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to share our faith with the world.
- Christian morals that were once taken for granted are now rejected. It troubles me to see the world abandoning its Christian roots and losing its morality.
Seeking answers and/or perspective on these sufferings is what led me to reread Pope St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter, Salvifici Doloris On the Christian Meaning of Suffering (February 11, 1984. Boston: Pauline Books & Media. 1984. Or available online at https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html).
I hope the below article helps you to face suffering in whatever form you face it presently in your own life.
Peace
Fr. Jeff