The Joy of Suffering

We know Jesus loves us, but will we share the Cross with Him? When we say “Jesus, I trust in you,” what are we saying? Mainly, we are surrendering everything to God: The fate of your life, your health, your mind, and your loved ones. St. Padre Pio says to “pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” By embracing your daily life you are giving God the noblest gift. This gift is you’re suffering, for when you die and go to heaven there is no suffering but rejoicing. Just as the saints all talk about, the joy of suffering is more precious than gold. St. Teresa of Avila’s motto was “Lord, either let me suffer or let me die.” Our life is to love God in the sufferings. Because this love you have for Him is only shown in true suffering.

Let me explain what is and is not true suffering. When you sin you will suffer, that is justice and not true suffering. Yet, in 1 John 1:9, ‘If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.’ Thank you Jesus!

For it to be true suffering, you first must make the commitment to follow Jesus. In Matthew 16:24, Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me”. In this conversion you will continue to suffer. This is called purging as you begin to know yourself. St. Paul shares with us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, ‘Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up.’ As you agree to accept suffering and treasure it as a precious gift from above, this suffering becomes pleasant.

Our gift of life is to worship and love God above all else and share the gospel of the Lord. This includes suffering. In Acts 14:22, ‘We must experience many hardships before we can enter the Kingdom of God.’

When you suffer, how do you handle it? Do you call it to attention? Are you complaining about it, angry towards others, cranky or possibly in a bad mood?

Or do you keep it in like Mother Mary who would ponder it. By pondering you’re suffering, you are having a private conversation with Jesus. In this weakened state, the Holy Spirit works more within you, purging you and preparing you for complete union with God. Therefore, this intimate relationship should not be shared with everyone. In Matthew 7:9, ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.’ Ask our Lord to give you a spiritual director or if you cannot find one then someone who is devout. Make sure you share your suffering with your confessor.

For my personal experiences I found that when I was treated wrongly, when I am in aches and pains, when I am sick, when I’ve had very little sleep, or confusion in my thoughts, the more I felt peace, joy and love. In this reality, I should be miserable. I asked our Lord what is this? The response I felt (for I am not sure if I hear him) was “It’s a Paradox.”

Jesus said we are going to suffer, so do not be surprised where the suffering comes from. This suffering is a great opportunity to work on your virtues and for reparation of sins. Just know that we are to live the beatitudes. As you revisit reading Matthew 5: 1-12, you will see that you are to suffer and be glad.

By resigning to your sufferings, you are completely trusting in His Sovereignty. Coming to terms with this takes courage because you are very vulnerable to Him. Let us recall what they wrote about St. Gemma in her situation of being bedridden. ‘Through her illness she was, as it were, rigid. She could raise only her head and shoulders a little. She used to say to me: "See, I am crucified; I cannot move." But nevertheless she never uttered a word of complaint. She was always jovial, smiling and peaceful. It seemed to me that she had a most extraordinary resignation.

Our Lady of Fatima asks us this Offering: “Will you offer yourselves to God and bear with submission all the sufferings He sends you in reparation for the sins that offend Him and the conversion of sinners?” (To see more of what we are asked to do go to http://www.pilgrimvirginstatue.com/booklet.)

Finally, I will leave you with My Grandma’s daily prayer:

My suffering is a small key to gold, little by little it will open a big treasure. A cross is a cross, but the Cross of Jesus, when embraced, removes all the pain. I haven’t counted the days of my pain because Jesus has touched my heart. I live moment to moment, time passes as if it was an hour. Christ told me that by looking in only one direction, life passes so quickly, just like an eve of a holiday. Death will come, and in Paradise, I will rest.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!