Can suffering be good?

[JGHermann]

Sir,

During a discussion with a friend it surfaced that he saw no reason that a person severly suffering from medical illness could seek an end to the suffering by death. The sinfullness of suicide not withstanding, I was looking for points to argue the side of the sanctity of suffering in itself. Can you point me in the direction of some references on this subject so I can support my position in the debate?

Thank you,

John

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear John,

Here are some good resources:

catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0203fea1.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0402fea1.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/1998/9809clas.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/1993/9310otg.asp

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.