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SMG44
Guest
Is it wrong to pray for suffering? If so, why?
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in_servitude
Guest
I’ve prayed that I be allowed to carry the suffering of others. This prayer was answered. In the end, I was given a tremendous gift. I would make the same decision today, despite the fact that it was painful.
There’s enough suffering in the world already. If you want to suffer, why not ask to carry the burdens of others rather than create your own??
Other than that - I’m not sure where you’re headed with the question.
There’s enough suffering in the world already. If you want to suffer, why not ask to carry the burdens of others rather than create your own??
Other than that - I’m not sure where you’re headed with the question.
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SMG44
Guest
I was having a conversation with a priest in regards to his homily and he replied with: “I am surprised and saddened that you had prayed for and desire suffering. Suffering is an evil, the result of our human condition; the origins of which are brought out in Genesis. God never desires suffering, which is by definition the lack of wholeness. He created us to be whole and enjoy His presence, not to wallow in the consequence of our fallen, frail nature. God does not grant suffering by request. That suffering which comes our way, and we need not pray for it for it will come, holds within itself the tremendous power of redemption if it is brought to the Cross. Suffering is an evil that we, with the power of God’s mercy, can turn into a good. Wishing for suffering is an act of pride, as we believe we have the power to handle anything without the necessary presence of God. The consequent need for medications proves that we cannot. Even if we have in the background a desire to grow in a relationship with God, it is pride. When you write that “it is all according to His will for me” I cannot help but believe you are imposing your own desires. Be very careful, for that is very dangerous indeed.”
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in_servitude
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Well, let me assure you, I do not desire to suffer for the sake of experiencing suffering. I do desire, however, to build the Kingdom. I desire to build it more than I desire my own comfort.
Do you have any biblical back-up to say that suffering is an evil?
Phil 1:27-30
I’d like to hear how you can make your statement to a priest like this after seeing this is supported in at least one place in the bible.
Additionally, have you read about St. Francis of Assisi? St. Faustina? St. Padre Pio? If so, I’d love to hear how these people were prideful in their efforts to build the Kingdom.
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friendlymomma
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That priest sounds rather Protestant to me. One of the wonderful things I love about being a Catholic is that suffering actually has value, when we unite it to Christ’s suffering. I do think you need to be cautious about praying for suffering, because the chief goal here is to be conformed to the will of God, not merely to suffer. If HE brings the suffering in your life, or allows it, then accept it, but perhaps it is better to pray for holiness rather than for suffering.
Padre Pio, St. Faustina (I love them!!!) were “victim souls.” Most people are not called to that.
My life has changed dramatically now that I know my sufferings have value. I do not fight them as much as I used to, I love Jesus through them when I accept them as well as I am able, and I offer them up for my children, the souls in purgatory, etc.
Padre Pio, St. Faustina (I love them!!!) were “victim souls.” Most people are not called to that.
My life has changed dramatically now that I know my sufferings have value. I do not fight them as much as I used to, I love Jesus through them when I accept them as well as I am able, and I offer them up for my children, the souls in purgatory, etc.
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Christine85
Guest
I can honestly say the opposite, for a long time things have been happening to me that have not been too good and I have been in denial of it all acting as though there’s nothing I need to deal with, but today actually I have decided I will not run away from what God wants for me anymore. If that be certain sufferings so be it. We are called to suffer for Christ, we shouldnt really wish for it , that’s correct, but to deny it is like denying the truth.
Ps read this it has really opened my eyes today -
catholictradition.org/Classics/imitation1-6.htm#23
Ps read this it has really opened my eyes today -
catholictradition.org/Classics/imitation1-6.htm#23
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in_servitude
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Sorry SMG44…
I didn’t read the word “he” correctly. When I saw this, I looked at it twice and thought that it was YOU who was saying these words to the PRIEST.
Ouch.
Our priest mentioned this a while back - I think I have it correct: it’s about the Eucharist - when we drink from the cup, it is a covenant that we enter into with Christ - where we agree to enter into his suffering. In terms of the Eucharistic celebration, it’s referred to as the cup of suffering. Perhaps this is understood differently by your priest. I wouldn’t lean on the priest for spiritual guidance. Rather, I suggest you seek a spiritual director that is comfortable to you and understands your spirituality.
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SMG44
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Thank you all for your responses. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with wanting to suffer for another either and offer it up to our Heavenly Father for all the holy souls in purgatory or other intentions.
Maybe this priest missed the part about suffering for another and thought I prayed for it just for the pleasure of suffering. I will try to clarify myself to him and see if he still feels the same way.
I do, however, use a different priest for spiritual direction. It’s just that this topic was related to this other priest’s homily - so it would only be appropriate to approach him first since it had to do with his words which should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Maybe this priest missed the part about suffering for another and thought I prayed for it just for the pleasure of suffering. I will try to clarify myself to him and see if he still feels the same way.
I do, however, use a different priest for spiritual direction. It’s just that this topic was related to this other priest’s homily - so it would only be appropriate to approach him first since it had to do with his words which should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
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AlanFromWichita
Guest
How about suffering vicariously through Jesus’s experience by watching The Passion of the Christ?
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centurionguard
Guest
Why is it Google is giving a Reported Page Attack Virus Warning when I hit this link?
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AlanFromWichita
Guest
I got the same thing:
Google Chrome has blocked access to www.catholictradition.org for now.
Even if you have visited this website safely in the past, visiting it now is very likely to infect your computer with malware.
Malware is malicious software that causes things like identity theft, financial loss, and permanent file deletion.
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