Looking for a way out

[Pilsen]

I want to move on from God. For the last several years I’ve been tormented by suffering after suffering. So much so that I’m convinced Jesus is absolutely obsessed with suffering.

It’s a shame because there have been a few times when I totally adored and trusted Jesus (many times without any of those spiritual consolations from God). But now, I’m done.

The purpose of this thread is to ask if there’s anyway, if I go to hell, to pray to God to place me in a spot there where there is relatively minimal suffering? I know there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, but each soul there undergoes a different degree of suffering. On the basis of any good I’ve done in the past (praying for peoples conversion, saying a prayer for anyone I hear that just died etc), is this possible?

Could I ask Mary to obtain this? Whether I’m on earth or elsewhere, I figure I’m still her child.

Has anybody thought of this?

My mind is numb, my heart is broken and I just wish God was not a silent/inactive God.

 

[Dorothy]

I want to move on from God. For the last several years I’ve been tormented by suffering after suffering. So much so that I’m convinced Jesus is absolutely obsessed with suffering.

It’s a shame because there have been a few times when I totally adored and trusted Jesus (many times without any of those spiritual consolations from God). But now, I’m done.

The purpose of this thread is to ask if there’s anyway, if I go to hell, to pray to God to place me in a spot there where there is relatively minimal suffering? I know there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, but each soul there undergoes a different degree of suffering. On the basis of any good I’ve done in the past (praying for peoples conversion, saying a prayer for anyone I hear that just died etc), is this possible?

Could I ask Mary to obtain this? Whether I’m on earth or elsewhere, I figure I’m still her child.

Has anybody thought of this?

My mind is numb, my heart is broken and I just wish God was not a silent/inactive God.

I am saddened to hear of your suffering.

Our God is not a silent/inactive God.

I don’t know you, but I can make some suggestions…

Is there a priest you can sit and talk to? Whether in your parish or at a retreat if possible?

Certainly ask our Blessed Mother to come to your aid. (But not about a place in hell!)

Pray our Lady’s Litany said slowly, pondering all her titles.

Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Others may have some suggestions as well.

May our Lord Bless you and be with you on your journey to Him, source of all peace and good.

 

[Allegra]

I think hell is hell, as far as that goes. However, you can offer up the suffering you are enduring on earth. You should also see if you can get some help from a mental health professional. You didn’t say what sort of suffering you have, but if you are feeling that overwhelmed, it’s possibly that you need some assistance. At any rate, you will get positively no relief from walking away from God.

 

[TheReYUI]

I want to move on from God. For the last several years I’ve been tormented by suffering after suffering. So much so that I’m convinced Jesus is absolutely obsessed with suffering.

It’s a shame because there have been a few times when I totally adored and trusted Jesus (many times without any of those spiritual consolations from God). But now, I’m done.

The purpose of this thread is to ask if there’s anyway, if I go to hell, to pray to God to place me in a spot there where there is relatively minimal suffering? I know there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, but each soul there undergoes a different degree of suffering. On the basis of any good I’ve done in the past (praying for peoples conversion, saying a prayer for anyone I hear that just died etc), is this possible?

Could I ask Mary to obtain this? Whether I’m on earth or elsewhere, I figure I’m still her child.

Has anybody thought of this?

My mind is numb, my heart is broken and I just wish God was not a silent/inactive God.

I am sorry to hear you’re suffering. I too am no stranger to suffering. It is all to common here on earth. Do not despair. God is always with you whether you “feel” him or not. St. John of the Cross wrote a beautiful book regarding his dark night of the soul and how to overcome lack of consolation from God. It is true you are Mary’s child she is also always with you. I would also recommend you read The Glories of Mary by Saint Alphonsus. Please do not despair!! Suffering can bring about good in the world, you can join Christ and carry the cross with him. Rejoice for Heaven is near!!! I will keep you in my prayers.

amazon.com/Dark-Night-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486426939/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436048116&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+night+of+the+soul

amazon.com/Glories-Mary-Saint-Alphonsus-Liguori-ebook/dp/B00AW5BYOY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1436048120&sr=8-2&keywords=glories+of+mary

 

[someperson555]

I want to move on from God. For the last several years I’ve been tormented by suffering after suffering. So much so that I’m convinced Jesus is absolutely obsessed with suffering.

It’s a shame because there have been a few times when I totally adored and trusted Jesus (many times without any of those spiritual consolations from God). But now, I’m done.

The purpose of this thread is to ask if there’s anyway, if I go to hell, to pray to God to place me in a spot there where there is relatively minimal suffering? I know there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, but each soul there undergoes a different degree of suffering. On the basis of any good I’ve done in the past (praying for peoples conversion, saying a prayer for anyone I hear that just died etc), is this possible?
Could I ask Mary to obtain this? Whether I’m on earth or elsewhere, I figure I’m still her child.

Has anybody thought of this?

My mind is numb, my heart is broken and I just wish God was not a silent/inactive God.

Why do you think Jesus is obsessed with suffering? Suffering was not a part of Gods original plan. And it still isnt. God does not want you to suffer in this life or the next. God wants to bless you. However suffering is an automatic result of sin. Or a fallen nature. God allows suffering when it is necessary for him to make a correction. Healing begins with turning from evil. First you must allow God to come into your heart and transform you. Then he will take away your suffering. God does not " punish" sinners. He turns his face from them. Therefore your request is kind of moot because in a way you already are in hell. God will not force you to follow him but then by choosing not to follow him you place yourself out of his care and protection. I know its hard to follow God but you have to put in effort. He offers us fire or water. We have to choose a path and fight for our happiness

Another problem I think you have is that you are probably focusing too much on the opinionsof saints, mystics, and theologians. Do not do this. Many saints are wrong about certain things. Especially when it comes to suffering. For example do not listen to padre pios cringe worthy statements which imply that suffering is good for its own sake. Or any saint or theologian who tries to say that suffering is " good". This is not true. Suffering is only good when it serves a purpose. But you do not NEED to suffer just cuz. Also do not concern yourself with all these devotions and their promises. I find these novenas are detrimental to a person’s faith because its pure superstition. The whole mentality of " ill do this for you if you do that" is silly. God does not work that way. He wants you to turn from evil and be transformed internally.
God wants to give you health, wealth, and all those good things. But he Will only grant you those after you have finished your spiritual work.

 

[InNomineDomini]

This is one of those threads that, I think, is just way above the pay-grade of an internet forum. You need to talk to someone in real life.

Frankly, your tone strikes me as possibly coming from the perspective of clinical depression, or from the midst of demonic oppression, or even both. If there’s any chance of that—and I have no idea, because it’s difficult to do this via a computer—your biggest mistake is to isolate yourself from the sources that could help you.

If I were having thoughts of despair, which is what you seem to be undergoing, I would totally go and make some appointments with some trusted priests, and I would talk about it. If I wasn’t aware of any great priests in my area, I would find some through the grapevine. I would take advantage of all of the wonderful resources we have as Catholics, whether Sacramental or intellectual, and I would refuse to lay down my faith without an honest fight.

But I would not limit myself to feedback from the internet.

Most of us have no clue what we’re on about, including me.

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your time of need. In addition; you may also want to seek some professional help for your issues.

 

[Catholic1954]

I want to move on from God. For the last several years I’ve been tormented by suffering after suffering. So much so that I’m convinced Jesus is absolutely obsessed with suffering.

It’s a shame because there have been a few times when I totally adored and trusted Jesus (many times without any of those spiritual consolations from God). But now, I’m done.

The purpose of this thread is to ask if there’s anyway, if I go to hell, to pray to God to place me in a spot there where there is relatively minimal suffering? I know there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, but each soul there undergoes a different degree of suffering. On the basis of any good I’ve done in the past (praying for peoples conversion, saying a prayer for anyone I hear that just died etc), is this possible?

Could I ask Mary to obtain this? Whether I’m on earth or elsewhere, I figure I’m still her child.

Has anybody thought of this?

My mind is numb, my heart is broken and I just wish God was not a silent/inactive God.

I am sorry for your pain, but God does not take requests if you unfortunately end up in hell. Make an appointment with a priest and he can help you sort things out and rediscover the joy you once felt about the Church.

 

[pianistclare]

---

You may be clinically depressed. Here’s an excellent book which discerns the difference between a dark night of the soul, and real depression.

amazon.com/Catholic-Guide…R7HS2FQGFZDCWZ

I will pray peace of mind for you. Do not walk away from the Lord. You need Him more than ever now.
Peace.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

I will put this as simply as I can.
Jesus did not obsess over suffering.
Jesus obsessed over love.
Be at peace.

 

[808Catholic]

OP. God does not desire you to suffer. You can choose to offer your suffering up to God and join your suffering with Jesus. Whatever you do, don’t believe there’s any place in hell that has “minimal suffering.” The least amount of suffering in hell is much worse than anything you could ever experience on earth. Period! Once you go to hell, there’s no coming back and no respite. It will be torment of the worst kind for eternity. Keep your faith in God and keep praying. Even if you think God’s not listening (and He is!), keep praying. Pray that the Blessed Mother and the saints will intercede on your behalf. Pray for the intercession of family members who have gone before you; they can help you as well. There is nothing wrong with suffering. After all, imagine the suffering Jesus did while He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Giving in to despondency and accepting eternity away from God and in torment in hell is what’s wrong. Have faith, keep praying!

 

[Pilsen]

I think hell is hell, as far as that goes. However, you can offer up the suffering you are enduring on earth. You should also see if you can get some help from a mental health professional. You didn’t say what sort of suffering you have, but if you are feeling that overwhelmed, it’s possibly that you need some assistance. At any rate, you will get positively no relief from walking away from God.

I don’t think it’s depression, clinical. It’s more so me reaching a point of frustration where I am physically and emotionally tired of suffering. To name just a few, this includes multiple bodily Illnesses (with terrible pains), God taking my friends away so he can keep me to himself and all the resulting problems that come from this such as loneliness, being betrayed and let down by certain people and some other worries and troubles that I won’t mention here.

I would love if God could come and rescue me and make me new again. But each time I think His help is around the corner, another tragedy comes. For me, during intense periods of pain I cannot bring myself to offer it up. Intellectually I know I should, but something switches off in my mind and I ask why to God.

In this state am I still part of the Body of Christ? If so, and because I am broken, am I hurting the other members? If yes, how are the other members of His Body affected?

 

[pianistclare]

I don’t think it’s depression, clinical. It’s more so me reaching a point of frustration where I am physically and emotionally tired of suffering. To name just a few, this includes multiple bodily Illnesses (with terrible pains), God taking my friends away so he can keep me to himself and all the resulting problems that come from this such as loneliness, being betrayed and let down by certain people and some other worries and troubles that I won’t mention here.

I would love if God could come and rescue me and make me new again. But each time I think His help is around the corner, another tragedy comes. For me, during intense periods of pain I cannot bring myself to offer it up. Intellectually I know I should, but something switches off in my mind and I ask why to God.

In this state am I still part of the Body of Christ? If so, and because I am broken, am I hurting the other members? If yes, how are the other members of His Body affected?

You are most certainly part of the Body of Christ, and NO you are not hurting anyone.
You can say prayers and offer your personal suffering for the holy souls in purgatory.
Life is what we make it. Be as cheerful as you can, and don’t wear you pain on your sleeve. Find things to be grateful for.
One of the most beautiful women I ever met was a woman from our parish that was bedridden and chronically ill for YEARS. Every time we went to visit her, she was sitting up in bed and she’d offer us a smile. We’d ask, “How are you holding up?” Her response was always:
“God is so good!”
She inspired us to be grateful for everything, even though our trials which were small in comparison to hers. She inspired our Pastor, even. And he’d certainly seen most everything in terms of suffering.
She was light in the darkness.
Be that. Trust God. Tell Him how much you love Him.
Sometimes He likes a love letter…since He gets so many requests.

I will pray for you!

 

[Pilsen]

Why do you think Jesus is obsessed with suffering? Suffering was not a part of Gods original plan. And it still isnt. God does not want you to suffer in this life or the next. God wants to bless you. However suffering is an automatic result of sin. Or a fallen nature. God allows suffering when it is necessary for him to make a correction. Healing begins with turning from evil. First you must allow God to come into your heart and transform you. Then he will take away your suffering. God does not " punish" sinners. He turns his face from them. Therefore your request is kind of moot because in a way you already are in hell. God will not force you to follow him but then by choosing not to follow him you place yourself out of his care and protection. I know its hard to follow God but you have to put in effort. He offers us fire or water. We have to choose a path and fight for our happiness

Another problem I think you have is that you are probably focusing too much on the opinionsof saints, mystics, and theologians. Do not do this. Many saints are wrong about certain things. Especially when it comes to suffering. For example do not listen to padre pios cringe worthy statements which imply that suffering is good for its own sake. Or any saint or theologian who tries to say that suffering is " good". This is not true. Suffering is only good when it serves a purpose. But you do not NEED to suffer just cuz. Also do not concern yourself with all these devotions and their promises. I find these novenas are detrimental to a person’s faith because its pure superstition. The whole mentality of " ill do this for you if you do that" is silly. God does not work that way. He wants you to turn from evil and be transformed internally.
God wants to give you health, wealth, and all those good things. But he Will only grant you those after you have finished your spiritual work.

Could you please give me some examples of the purposes God allows suffering? It’s just that some people will suffer their entire lifetime with no reprieve.

What you said about me following the opinions of Saints etc is very true. Every time I read something they wrote I take it as Gospel. You see I fully believe everything the Holy Church teaches like dogmas etc, and I figure the Saints are part of the church. In fact, I thought I received some roses from St Therese after praying for something… and when this something failed to occur - I felt utterly hurt and it probably damaged my relationship with Jesus.

I also have spoken to Priests and laypersons in the Charismatic movement, who have prayed over me and sometimes given me a prophetic message. I have also always taken this as 100% Gospel, because it is the Holy Spirit that gives the gift of prophecy right? Anyway, when anything in these prophecy messages didn’t eventuate, I was consumed by confusion and this again fractured my relationship with Jesus. If anybody reading this could PLEASE confirm, could I just treat such instances as private revelation - in that the Church allows me to believe it or not? I am having trouble with this because, if the Holy Spirit genuinely delivers a message to a Minister of God, then how can it be wrong? But it has.

Maybe I just need to go back to basics and start by talking to Jesus? I could tell Him that I miss being close to Him but that I am also worn out by the trials and tests he continually gives me?

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Not sure that I understand you, but to disbelieve is not a private revelation. It is a conclusion that one choses… To believe is a great gift. It is very hard to believe or disbelieve something that you can’t put your finger on, see or feel in your heart. Yet, you do believe because you are searching. I am so sorry that you are in pain and suffering. I would lift it from you, if I could. Someone who suffered more and had great, unimaginable pain, in body and spirit, was Jesus. I think of THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN where he sweat blood for us and than was nailed to a cross. I can not fathom what that must have been for Him. Yes, we have suffering and pain in this life, but there is a glorious promise in the end. Don’t despair. Don’t give up. Never think you are alone. I will and am praying for you.

 

[someperson555]

Could you please give me some examples of the purposes God allows suffering? It’s just that some people will suffer their entire lifetime with no reprieve.

What you said about me following the opinions of Saints etc is very true. Every time I read something they wrote I take it as Gospel. You see I fully believe everything the Holy Church teaches like dogmas etc, and I figure the Saints are part of the church. In fact, I thought I received some roses from St Therese after praying for something… and when this something failed to occur - I felt utterly hurt and it probably damaged my relationship with Jesus.

I also have spoken to Priests and laypersons in the Charismatic movement, who have prayed over me and sometimes given me a prophetic message. I have also always taken this as 100% Gospel, because it is the Holy Spirit that gives the gift of prophecy right? Anyway, when anything in these prophecy messages didn’t eventuate, I was consumed by confusion and this again fractured my relationship with Jesus. If anybody reading this could PLEASE confirm, could I just treat such instances as private revelation - in that the Church allows me to believe it or not? I am having trouble with this because, if the Holy Spirit genuinely delivers a message to a Minister of God, then how can it be wrong? But it has.

Maybe I just need to go back to basics and start by talking to Jesus? I could tell Him that I miss being close to Him but that I am also worn out by the trials and tests he continually gives me?

( sorry I meant to reply to this sooner)
Suffering is essentially when we are not getting our way. Suffering takestakes many forms but that is the core of suffering. The reason why sometimes God doesnt give us what we want is because it would be an obstacle or a distraction to our salvation. God does want us to be happy in this life too but it is more important to him that we are saved first. So basically what he wants us to do is surrender our will to his will. This is very difficult because to us our will is the greatest happiness. Its like kierkegaard said :" if I had a servant and I would command him to bring me a glass of water and hed return with the worlds finest wine I would fire him on the spot! For to me happiness does not consist of getting " the best" it consists of having my way. "
This is where we have to learn to trust God. Trust that he wants the best for you in this life and the next. God uses suffering to get a person to focus on him. God will allow a person to suffer for as long as its necessary for his spiritual sallvation. God will bring you through the trial first and then give you happiness.

Exactly. Ive always felt uncomfortable this over veneration of saints as well. Its borderline deism. In the bible Jesus teaches us how to pray. He specifically warns us against babbling. Which is what I feel most of these novenas are. Just pretentious babbling. These novenas take the focus off of jesus Christ and turn it to another source. Jesus is whats most important. Keep your eyes fixed on God. Furthermore these novenas encourage superstition and they promise all these things. And when the promises dont get fulfilled thepperson ends up having a crisis of faith. Yet he doesnt know that God doesnt work like that in the first place.
And dont listen to any messages or visions from ANYONE. Both scripture and the early church warned us NOT to seek them out. The most perfect prayer is the our father. The only prayers you should ever pray are the our father, hail Mary, act of contrition, and st michael prayer.

What you said at the end of your comment is what you should do.
Also if you dont already I also recommend praying psalms from the bible.

I hope God grants you relief.