Why is suffering a part of being Catholic?

[Wannabe_Monk_16]

I think Catholicism simply makes the best use of suffering, when we unite our sufferings to those of Jesus Christ (Col 1:24?). We can apply those sufferings for various meritorious and spiritually beneficial intentions.

Example:
God, I graciously and patiently endure and offer up this suffering, united in the sufferings of the Passion of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the holy souls in Purgatory.

 

[puzzledtoo]

I’ve only read the title of the thread so if someone already posted a response similar to this please forgive my laziness.
Suffering is part of being alive. Be well-stay safe.

 

[Reepicheep]

I must say, as a non-Catholic Christian, that the Catholic Church teaches about suffering and how to deal with it, and why it exists in a much better way than many Protestant churches/congregations that I have interacted with.

Suffering is human, what meaning we give it, and how we face it is up to us. One of the most harmful teachings I’ve ran into is that suffering is always do to sin, and if you suffer it is merely a lack of faith, and that Christians should never suffer with disease, or poverty, etc… but rather have health and wealth at all times even here on earth. That is a dangerous doctrine IMO, and not scriptural.

The part I underlined is the Prosperity Gospel, and yes, it is unscriptural. It is also very harmful.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Whether it be physical or emotional. Its as if we are not meant to be happy?.

Just something that crossed my mind.

Why is suffering a part of being Catholic?

Why would suffering not be part of being Catholic? The word ‘catholic’ means universal and suffering is a universal experience for humans in a world broken by original sin. Catholics embrace rather than deny its reality.

Suffering does not negate the possibility of happiness, or true joy. My knees may be killing me (suffering) while I stand at the ambo and lead the assembly in singing the responsorial psalm but I still can be full of joy in proclaiming the Word of God.

St. Paul talks a lot about suffering and joy in his letters. Here’s a tiny sample of verses:

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

[Katherine438]

From the Tremendous Lover by Dom Eugene Boylan, O.C.R.

These are the reasons why a man who comes to the service of God must prepare his soul for tribulation. God is a tremendous Lover, and love knows no half measures. Love will not be satisfied with anything short of all; no degree of union short of the closest possible will satisfy it. In fact, if it seeks less, or if it is satisfied with less, is it not true love. God will not be satisfied with anything less than everything. *Thy whole heart, thy whole soul, all thy mind and all thy strength. *Jesus will not be satisfied until we are transformed completely into Him. And to that end He sends us suffering, so that we may be united to Him and be transformed completely into Him.

 

[Katherine438]

St Bernard describes three different attitudes towards suffering in carrying the cross: “Those who are beginning in the school of fear carry the cross of Christ with patient submission; those who are progressing in hope bear it willingly and readily; but those who are consumed with love embrace it with ardor.”

 

[petra22]

Why is suffering a part of being Catholic?

Why would suffering not be part of being Catholic? The word ‘catholic’ means universal and suffering is a universal experience for humans in a world broken by original sin. Catholics embrace rather than deny its reality.

Suffering does not negate the possibility of happiness, or true joy. My knees may be killing me (suffering) while I stand at the ambo and lead the assembly in singing the responsorial psalm but I still can be full of joy in proclaiming the Word of God.

St. Paul talks a lot about suffering and joy in his letters. Here’s a tiny sample of verses:

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

What a feeling of joy I got when reading your post! Thank you!

 

[Origen52]

Suffering is part of being alive. Humans, just like all living creatures, are subject to physical pain, illness and accidents. You can use these challenges as a means of getting closer to God, or you can allow them to embitter you, and lead you away from God.

But ultimately, with, or without God, be sure we will all suffer. It is a consequence of being part of an imperfect world.

 

[Cyril_Of_Canada]

Whether it be physical or emotional. Its as if we are not meant to be happy?.

Just something that crossed my mind.

Jesus suffered, and you are not above your master, so you shall suffer as well.
But in short, suffering helps us grow as christians. I’m currently suffering and it is helping me draw closer to God and pursue holiness. It has enabled me to come to realize there are things I cannot do in my own power and must trust in God and rely on prayer and the power of His Holy Spirit to help me in my suffering. Suffering also enables us to share our sufferings with others and edify people in need. 2 Corinthians is a great gospel that touches on the subject of suffering in the christian life. Suffering can enable us to grow in virtues, as well as humble ourselves before God.

 

[Cyril_Of_Canada]

We also suffer because of sin in the world and our lives originating from ourselves and others.