“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified” Romans 8:28-40
“Man is made to live in communion with God in whom he finds happiness: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete (St. Augustine)”. Catechism of the Catholic Church # 45
Why do we suffer? Is this the million dollar question? I mean, really, why would a good God make us suffer?
This paragraph from the Catechism seems to give light to this question as I pray this morning.
Man is made for one single purpose. That is to be united with its Creator, to be in communion with God. So what does this have to do with suffering?
God speaks to my heart this morning, reminding me of some of my greatest suffering moments. What do you think was the common factor in every suffering situation? I was not united with the Divine Will of God.
It’s that simple. Instances that bring suffering are a cause of sin, a fallen world. This isn’t the cause of our suffering though. How many people I’ve know who were in horrible literally life and death situations, or more precisely, facing death itself. These people faced this terrible fear with joy. No suffering apparent. They were surrendered to, in communion with the Divine Will of God.
We suffer simply because we fight God and surrender to the circumstances. We are focused on the fear of the outcome or the stress and pain of the moment. When we should focus our mind and soul to be in communion with God’s Divine Will. Think about it. If the mind and soul are 100% committed to and focused upon God, what outcome is there to fear?
“in God I trust; I am not afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?” Psalm 56:11
Being in communion with God does not stop the nature of the world from impacting our life. Nor, does surrendering to God remove circumstance of illness or pain, physical or other. The one thing this communion with God does do though, is remove the suffering. Doesn’t make sense? Communion with God brings joy even in the bad times.
I’ve seen other times in my life that were even worse than those suffering moments I mentioned earlier through which I passed without much consideration. Each time with a sense of peace and even joy – not necessarily happiness, but certainly joy. Why? Because I was surrender to the Divine Will of God in the situation. My mind and heart were His.
Do you think Jesus suffered? Don’t downplay what He suffered for you by taking on your sins, mine alone would present a dire situation, but He took on the WHOLE world’s sin through all time. He did this from beginning to end living “not Mine but Your Will be done.” (Luke 22:42)
So when the bad day comes – surrender and bring your soul into communion with God. He will take the suffering and tears and turn it into joy and good. Don’t struggle with suffering, unite yourself with God’s Divine Will and stand in it with joy.
Have absolute faith and trust, turn to Mary, cry our to Jesus. They are there for you, He is there with you. Do you have faith to ‘let Thy Will be done?’
“When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.” St. Augustine