Run to Suffering

"When I die, I just don't want to suffer."

We have all heard someone utter the common phrase. Almost all want to avoid suffering. And understandably so; why desire grief, pain or ridicule?

Why? Above all else, to be more like Jesus. 

One could argue one of the greatest examples Jesus gave while on earth was how to endure suffering with grace. Sinless; yet ridiculed, beaten, nailed to a cross and put to death.

Often, suffering is a blessing in disguise. It is often through our trials of being ridiculed that we become more like Jesus, and have the opportunity to endure suffering for His sake. 

It is through our trials of physical and mental pain when we have the opportunity to grow in our faith. Offer up prayers for all those suffering in a similar manner. An opportunity to thank Jesus for allowing us to endure in His suffering. An opportunity to pray for those enduring the agonizing state of Purgatory.  An opportunity to mitigate our own experience in Purgatory. An opportunity from Jesus.

And many of us run away.

If we are truly to follow Jesus, we must be like Him in all ways. To understand that this world was not meant for our gain, but for His purpose. And His purpose must be manifested through us. In reality, our purpose is to become like Jesus. 

And we become like Jesus when we seize the opportunity presented, and run to suffering.