Offering our suffering

[nespero]

I seem to recall being told, when I was younger, that we could offer up whatever physical sufferings we had to help the poor souls in Purgatory. Now that I’m older, thus experiencing many more such physical aches and pains, as well as mental stress and anxiety, that early teaching has come back. But I’m not sure how true that is, or whether I was just imagining being told that.

Is there such a practice or tradition in our Church? And if so, how is it practiced? Are there specific prayers? And what do we do, join our suffering to that of Christ on the cross for the sake of souls in Purgatory? It seems like less than a drop of water in the ocean in comparison to His suffering, but can we turn our sufferings to good this way?

 

[Scoobyshme]

I seem to recall being told, when I was younger, that we could offer up whatever physical sufferings we had to help the poor souls in Purgatory. Now that I’m older, thus experiencing many more such physical aches and pains, as well as mental stress and anxiety, that early teaching has come back. But I’m not sure how true that is, or whether I was just imagining being told that.

Is there such a practice or tradition in our Church? And if so, how is it practiced? Are there specific prayers? And what do we do, join our suffering to that of Christ on the cross for the sake of souls in Purgatory? It seems like less than a drop of water in the ocean in comparison to His suffering, but can we turn our sufferings to good this way?

nespero, you have been blessed! Your memory is correct. Offering up your suffering is called “redemptive suffering,” and is incredibly powerful! It can be used for many things, not the least of which is helping poor souls in Purgatory (the Church Suffering)!

When you suffer, merely pray a silent prayer to Jesus, saying you accept and offer up your suffering for…(fill in the blank). St. Padre Pio made great use of this when he was on earth. All suffering, properly used, is a tremendous gift from Our Lord. He only gives the biggest crosses to those closest to Him! Rejoice, and be glad!

God bless!

 

[pollycarp]

Nespero, you can make a “morning offering” prayer that’s good for anything you suffer during the day, should you forget to offer it up -

Oh Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for all the intentions of the bishops, all the members of the Apostleship of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. (The Pope gives two prayer intentions every month.)

See the Apostleship of Prayer.
apostleshipofprayer.org/