“Suffering gives a man wisdom and experience. A man who has not suffered, what does he know?” This quote from Blessed Henry Suso is one of my favorites. I think most of us would agree that although we rarely volunteer for suffering, when it comes (which it always does) and when it passes (which it also always does), we will ultimately be able to recognize the wisdom and strength that we have gained from it.
I am sure it is not a coincidence that some of our greatest saints and holy role models have experienced great suffering. It seems that there may be no other way to holiness. St. Paul suffered stoning, shipwrecks, plots against his life, rejection by former friends, betrayal, and imprisonment before his ultimate martyrdom. Civil War veteran, Servant of God Joseph Dutton, suffered from an unfaithful wife and ultimate divorce. After falling into a downward spiral of intemperance and depravity, he longed for redemption; he converted to Catholicism and volunteered to work at the leprosy colony in Molokai. He stayed and served the patients for forty years – far longer than St. Damien. In the early 20th century, St. Edith Stein, a highly educated philosopher and influential author, was denied the chance to teach at universities because of being a woman and a Jew. Through her experiences she recognized the call to convert to Catholicism, then a Carmelite nun. She was arrested because of her Jewish heritage and was one of the first murdered at Auschwitz.
In today’s society, most people avoid suffering at all costs and ultimately it is not in their own best interest. The wisdom and experience we gain from hardship enrich our lives and allow us to help others in similar situations. But counseling, religious and psychological, are often very helpful in providing the tools we need to heal, flourish, and grow in holiness through the process. Jesus is here for us and is anxious to surround us with the people and strategies we need to grow closer to Him. Let us all change our view of suffering and learn to accept it as an opportunity to grow in sanctity and become a “holy roler” to others.
Scripture: Read Joshua 1:9. What stands out?
Call to Action: Join us for Be Not Afraid: Overcoming anxiety & finding peace on June 13th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm to help yourself and those you love. See the bulletin ad to register.
