Why Must We Suffer?

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Last night my friend shared this quote from a book titled, Fearless:

"What we fear is what we serve."

We fear suffering.

Often our fear is from not wanting to suffer.

I am not suggesting we love suffering.

However, I am suggesting we give our sufferings to God.

We live in a broken world where suffering is all around us.

Visible and invisible.

Yet, God doesn't want us to fear or to suffer.

Do not fear, for I am with you,

do not be afraid, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Today I listened to Day 38 and Day 39 from the Catechism in a Year podcast.

After Day 39, I went back and listened to the words that stood out to me.

"God does not remove our suffering. He redeems our suffering." Fr. Mike Schmitz

Why is there suffering?

St, Bernadette answers this hard question simply and beautifully.

I pray for you - whatever suffering you are going through at this time and in this moment.

I pray that Jesus meets you in your suffering.

I pray you give your broken heart to the One who has redeemed and called you by name.

I pray that He who has suffered, pours out His purest Love on you and comforts you from the Cross.