Men's Rosary

Most do not like to suffer. Pain and discomfort are not well tolerated. At the first sign of pain, we want a pill. As soon as we are fatigued, we seek rest. When things get tough, we find reasons to quit. When trouble finds us, we too often have a pity party for ourselves, asking – why me? We should realize the question should be – why not me? Pain and suffering are treated as a problem to be solved from a worldly point of view. The truth is that they need to be experienced through the eyes of faith. Our pain and suffering connect us to others and, most importantly, to God. Pope Leo XIV said it plainly, “Our relationship with life seems to be in crisis today. Everything that appears as a “limit” – incapacity, old age, suffering, vulnerability – tends to be seen primarily as a defect to be corrected, rather than as a reality through which our humanity matures and opens itself to relationship. And yet we must remember that humanity flourishes not despite limitation, but often through them.” (Magnifica Humanitas #118)

The temptation is to pick the pain or suffering that we decide is acceptable and tolerable. But that is not what we should do. Christ tells us that suffering will come and that he will help us through any worldly suffering if we are united to him. “I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Therefore, we should humbly accept the suffering that comes our way and unite it to Christ. In this way we will have opportunity to grow in faith and wisdom and imitate Christ better with our lives. From this perspective we could even say that we should be happy with the suffering that comes our way. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) Many of the sufferings of life offer something good. The hard work in school, the demands of work for the family, the pains of childbirth, the challenges of rearing children or caring for aging parents, working through health issues, striving to live a righteous life – all bring about good and if joined to Christ they become part of our spiritual life. This is how we live a blessed life, even in the face of struggle.

Our suffering and trials will let us become more compassionate toward others, as we see our suffering in theirs. It builds solidarity and community. It helps us to love our neighbor and our enemies, as ourselves. We are not “special” or above anyone else. We should see the need of others and their struggle and willingly, in all haste, help to lighten the load and share the love that Christ has for us individually with one another. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” (Galatians 6:2-3) Our suffering, united to Christ, will enable us to see others in times of suffering as Christ sees them. Like our sufferings, which we are not to choose of our own volition, we are not to choose who is worthy of our compassion and help. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not to his own interests, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5) Even during our own suffering and trials, we are called to serve and help others. Consider Jesus at the Last Supper. Knowing full well what lie before him and even the traitor in his midst, he was concerned for and caring for the disciples. When he was taken from the Garden to face his imminent death, he took time to heal the high priest’s servant’s ear. While on the cross, Jesus forgave the good thief – St. Dismas. These are examples of how we are to show mercy and compassion, even in the face of our own adversity.

Living in the ways of the world will bring discontent, despondency, self-pity, envy, cynicism, and a host of other negative feelings when trials and suffering befall us. Living in the way of Christ, imitating him in our life, will bring his peace upon us when trials and suffering befall us, as well as equipping us to recognize and serve the needs of others. When faced with trials, let us not ask why it is happening, rather, what are we supposed to do with it and how is God calling us to grow because of it.

“Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness.” (St. Faustina Kowalska)