Why so much on suffering?

[Cossack1]

Today on Catholic Answers the guest was asked the age-old question why innocent people suffer things like painful cancer deaths. The answer was basically they suffer because God loves them enough to make them suffer. He said that saints would consider suffering people “lucky.” I am sure that the guest could run theological rings around me, but this answer seems downright silly. Ask the parents of a child dying of leukemia or from some terrible burn accident if they think God has graciously bestowed His love on them.

I would much rather hear the guest simply say he does not know why God allows disastrous suffering to occur to the innocent while He does seem to positively intervene in other people’s lives. It is a mystery that we will probably never understand till we are dead and before God. Jesus certainly loved the young apostle John and he died a “normal” death we are told.

I have noticed lately that Catholic Answers and my local Catholic programming has focused on pain, suffering, and woe. I love Catholic radio, but for the last several days I have simply turned the station to hear some happy music or more humorous talk. I am not a person who weakly seeks denial and refuge from reality, but I sure would appreciate some time spent on the joy of being a Catholic or at least some good debate on less ominous topics.

But then, that is just my opinion.

 

[1ke]

Cossack1:

I would much rather hear the guest simply say he does not know why God allows disastrous suffering to occur to the innocent while He does seem to positively intervene in other people’s lives. It is a mystery that we will probably never understand till we are dead and before God.

Of course the Church can answer the “why” of suffering, there has been plenty written on the subject.

The Church does have teaching on suffering that is instructive and sheds light on the subje

Cossack1:

Jesus certainly loved the young apostle John and he died a “normal” death we are told.

And, he loved the other eleven too.

Cossack1:

I have noticed lately that Catholic Answers and my local Catholic programming has focused on pain, suffering, and woe.

It is Lent.

Lent is time we reflect on the suffering and death of Christ for our sins. That is why you have been hearing these topics, both in the liturgy and in other Catholic programming.

Cossack1:

I love Catholic radio, but for the last several days I have simply turned the station to hear some happy music or more humorous talk.

There is a time for all things, Lent is a time of somber reflection on the Mystery of Christ’s Passion.

Cossack1:

I am not a person who weakly seeks denial and refuge from reality, but I sure would appreciate some time spent on the joy of being a Catholic or at least some good debate on less ominous topics.

The season of Easter begins in a few days-- that is where we find joy at the end of our Lenten journey.

 

[whatevergirl]

Cossack1:

Today on Catholic Answers the guest was asked the age-old question why innocent people suffer things like painful cancer deaths. The answer was basically they suffer because God loves them enough to make them suffer. He said that saints would consider suffering people “lucky.” I am sure that the guest could run theological rings around me, but this answer seems downright silly. Ask the parents of a child dying of leukemia or from some terrible burn accident if they think God has graciously bestowed His love on them.

I would much rather hear the guest simply say he does not know why God allows disastrous suffering to occur to the innocent while He does seem to positively intervene in other people’s lives. It is a mystery that we will probably never understand till we are dead and before God. Jesus certainly loved the young apostle John and he died a “normal” death we are told.

I have noticed lately that Catholic Answers and my local Catholic programming has focused on pain, suffering, and woe. I love Catholic radio, but for the last several days I have simply turned the station to hear some happy music or more humorous talk. I am not a person who weakly seeks denial and refuge from reality, but I sure would appreciate some time spent on the joy of being a Catholic or at least some good debate on less ominous topics.

But then, that is just my opinion.

Part of the ‘joy’ of being a Catholic is to unite ourselves with Christ when we suffer, through His suffering. His whole adult life was challenging. He was always running from someone who wanted to kill him, or spent his waking hours defending himself constantly. Who am I to complain about anything bad that happens, when our own God suffered as a man, here on earth? It’s humbling when I think of it that way, and therefore the saints would consider peope ‘lucky’ who suffer, because of their growing likeness to Christ. It’s really awesome when you think about it.

My dad died of lung cancer when I was 9, and my mom died when I was 10. I often wonder why suffering happens to the innocent? (like you speak of in your thread) I really have come to accept that our suffering builds our strength, and strength builds character…and character builds our lives. I used to consider my parents’ deaths as impediments, but I consider them to be blessings. I’m who I am because of the happy times, but mainly because of the trying times in my life.

Just my thoughts…hope that helps?

 

[Holland]

This past Palm Sunday as the Passion was read I was struck with the understanding that a greater good can come from an evil act and great suffering. We might not know what that greater good will be at the time we are suffering but I do believe it will come to pass. As I gazed at Jesus hanging on the cross I also came to the realization that I should never expect to suffer less than He.