Embracing Suffering

In the gospel this weekend Jesus lays it out plainly to his disciples: suffering is on the horizon. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Suffering can grip us, making everything else fade to gray. No one signs up for suffering willingly. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, recoiled at the idea of Jesus enduring the cross. Who would wish that on someone they care about?

But Jesus has a different angle on it. He’s all about marching forward, unflinching, doing God’s will. It’s a game-changer. He believes suffering can be transformed, even death doesn’t have the final say. That’s quite the perspective shift. And it’s not just about us going through it. When we’re in the suffering trenches, we’ve got to cling to the promise Jesus offers. 

Plus, there’s something about being there for others who are hurting. Even if you can’t fix it all, being a companion in their pain matters. Jesus showed us that suffering isn’t the endgame, God’s mercy can trump it all. So, in a nutshell, suffering isn’t a detour off the path, but a gritty part of it. And it’s not about avoiding it, but holding onto hope when it’s tough. 

Remember, Peter tried to dodge it, but Jesus didn’t flinch. He faced the worst head-on, all for a bigger plan. So, next time suffering knocks at your door, don’t shut it out. And if you see someone else in the trenches, be that shoulder to lean on. Because just like Jesus, we’re not alone in this. 

Every Mass and prayer we say begins with the sign of the cross, indicating our willingness to carry it. The word Catholic means universal: which is why we are called to help people both near us and all over the world, even if we never see them or even if they are not like us in any way or even if they never thank us. Jesus puts a cross in front of us and asks us to get in line. This is the time to just do it.