Suffering

Our culture frowns upon any type of suffering as much as the ancient Jews frowned upon leprosy. Society is constantly seeking ways to end suffering of any type viewing it as a obstacle to fullness. While there is nothing wrong with medical advances that treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and ebola, many seek to end the suffering associated with daily life and tribulations. Reflecting on Mark's passage about the leper one can surmise that if the leper did not have the crippling affliction, perhaps he would have never encountered the mercy of Jesus.

As I reflected upon my morning meditation in the Magnificat, the passage from the French novelist Leon Bloy who said "If God desires to have us , he must seduce us, for if his Majesty does not please us, we can throw it away from our presence" resonated with me.  For many suffering in various forms of affliction brings us closer to God, that is we become seduced by his love for us even though we fell unworthy due to our affliction.  We may cry out "why me?" in desperation not quite understanding that God is working through us at the time.

Suffering brings us to our knees realizing that the delusion of human superiority over all is a lie. There is but one power that can bring an end to what we call suffering, the mercy and love of God. While I may not have leprosy I may suffer in my everyday contact with others, realizing that I am judgmental, egotistical, prideful, along with a slew of other faults which can be classified as spiritual leprosy . Knowing that these defects can ravage my soul in permeating guilt, I like the leper ask the Lord for his mercy "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of everliving God, have mercy on me a sinner." Mercifully I am made clean.

In physical suffering we may call upon the intercession of St. Clare, who once stated "If you suffer with Him, you will reign with him." Our society frowns upon this type of suffering as if we really know what is best for the individual.  If our ultimate reward lies in the kingdom of God we embrace  the afflictions that have beset us. While many of us suffer as we care and watch loved ones overcome by debilitating diseases as difficult as it may be, we can unite ourselves and our loved ones knowing that there is a far greater reward than what we may see, one that is not readily grasped, nor immediately felt as though we are in our earthly bodies, but one with eternal life.