Suffering, Suicide and Help

Almost everyone was against him. That is what stuck out for me in today's gospel reading from Luke, Chapter 9.

Jesus was telling Peter and the other disciples with him:

"The Son of Man [meaning himself] must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Ugh. Seriously. Doesn't sound like very good news.

Just imagine yourself in a situation where most everyone who should be supporting you is against you. Just imagine that you are not only being rejected, but you know that the worst thing anyone can imagine, is going to happen to you.

It would be a good reason to get discouraged! But the key is those last few words at the end of this passage:

"on the third day [he will] be raised."

You see, no matter what you might be going through today, the good news is that your story is not over, it is not fully written. There is light that follows all darkness.

The fact that Jesus was raised from the dead makes all the difference. If he went through all the rejection and suffering, but was not raised from the dead, it would be obvious that he was just another good martyr.

But, in his rising, we learn the truth about who he is. We learn about his mission through which he saves us.

No matter what devastation we may be experiencing today, we can hold fast to Jesus, knowing that good will follow. We can be assured that our Father is with us.

When we are in the middle of a mess in our lives, it can seem overwhelming. Standing in the mess can be difficult. 

We must always remember that there will be light as we come out of the tunnel--and come out of the tunnel we will.

While September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we must always try to be aware of those around us who may be suffering and reach out to help however we can.

Below I have posted some helpful contacts/links.

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

Here is some information for you: 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/
Here is another suggestion I found online:
 
"If you’re struggling, it’s okay to share your feelings. To start, you could copy one of these pre-written messages and send it to a trusted contact.
 
Reach out

When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support.
 
Contact a loved one
 
I don’t want to die, but I don't know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk?
 
Express your feelings

This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free?"