By Vinay Silva –
When you are troubled and afflicted, then is the time to gain merit. You must pass through fire and water, before you come to refreshment. – Thomas A. Kempis (Imitation of Christ, 22)
The Catholic concept of Redemptive Suffering can be compared to what happens when we “redeem” points with shopping or air miles. While the healing graces of God are free and undeserved, the problem is that our hearts may not be in a right disposition to receive these graces. If all is well and there is no pain to offer up to God, the spiritual redemptive benefits would be missed out. The deeper lessons in life are learnt ONLY through a testing of trial and tribulation. Even when it is clearly the work of Satan or due to one’s negligence or sin, it will still have a redemptive purpose. God can draw goodness and benefit out of EVERY situation, however tragic and hopeless it may seem to be. Christian suffering always brings about a beautiful result if the right attitudes are in place (Rom 5:3-5).
Every pruning process is painful. It is a type of a ‘moulding’ which God gives us for our greater good, so that we can enjoy a closer relationship with Him. The Word of God tells us that we need to ‘endure trials for the sake of discipline’ (Heb 12:7), that ‘it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil’ (1Pet 3:17) and that ‘whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy’ (Jam 1:2).
If one is sincerely wanting God’s graces and depends fully on the strength that He provides, along with the desire that ‘God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ’ (1Pet 4:11), then the outcome of pain and suffering is only a greater intimacy with Jesus and a joy beyond words!
Benefits of Suffering
By being in a prayerful state, suffering brings about many invaluable benefits, especially that of purification of the soul. The results are a deeper repentance of past sins, a more empowering prayer life with a stillness of heart, less judgemental attitude, more compassion, more love for enemies and an ease to forgiveness, more fruitful work of evangelisation and one also becomes a better witness in society. A transformative outcome of more humility and gratitude, and detachment from many things also takes place. Above all, a greater intimacy with Jesus can be experienced and a more profound understanding of the work of redemption on the Cross and the eternal life. These wonderful benefits, among others, can be experienced more fruitfully through the combination of pain and prayer.
If we willingly co-operate with the Holy Spirit, God uses each trial and tribulation in our lives as a piece in a jigsaw puzzle to finally frame up a beautiful picture of His Holy Will for each of us.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. – Rom 8:28
A Test of Faith
When graces are not experienced, the test of faith becomes more intense and can be more redemptive if the right attitudes are in place. If one is truly desirous of receiving the spiritual benefits of the suffering, only then can the Lord do the needful and pour forth the blessing.
God is faithful and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing, he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. – 1Cor 10:13
Rather than deviate from the topic of Christian Suffering, we need to unite our sufferings with those of Christ and share in them (1Pet 4:13), in order to get spiritual healing. Without pain and anguish, this ‘uniting’ is not possible.
My dear children, without our suffering, our work would just be social work, very good and helpful, but it would not be the work of Jesus Christ, not part of redemption. – Mother Teresa
Let us be aware that some of the greatest of achievements in the lives of saints came about only through pain. The wonderful work of Mother Teresa was the fruit of her sharing in Christ’s Passion through a very painful interior darkness. The moving poetry of St. John of the Cross was written when he was put into prison. The conversion of St. Ignatius came about when he was shot in his leg during battle, leaving him injured for life. While the possibility of ‘wasted pain’ is definitely something to be aware of, it is certain that the redemptive reward of our pain starts off with turning to God in prayer. The treasure is out there. Seek it and you will find it!
Prayer:
O Lord, I give to you all that I am going through. Thank you, Lord, for these difficult times and afflictions. Use them in my life for my further purification and for your glory. Amen.
Vinay Silva is an architect from Bangalore. About 15 years ago, he experienced a renewal in his faith life and has been spiritually inclined ever since. He has recently completed a 2-year commitment on full time basis with a lay Catholic community. Over the recent 4-5 years, he has been actively involved in sharing God’s Word in small groups and through writing. For about 2 years, he led the Small Christian Community (SCC) meetings at his parish along with teaching at a few prayer groups. About 25 articles of his have been published in various Catholic magazines. His desire is for the prayer life to be strengthened in the Church today and for an awakening of faith for the glory of God. He can be reached at [email protected].