Romans 5: 2-5
Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
Comment
A very universal experience with respect to suffering especially when it is severe and hits at the root of your physical, and maybe psychological, integrity it tends to reveal your deepest loves and deepest hates.
I spoke with an oncology nurse a few years back and she explained that in the paediatric ward the parents would come in to see their children suffering and pretty much one of two things happen.
Either they are solidified in their love and their faith or they are broken apart and hatred comes out.
The cross, not just Christ, but the two next to Him reveal a lot about how we ought to react to suffering.
The bad thief on the cross reacts with a hatred, a rancour against God and other people.
Christ reacts to His suffering by recognising this is the Fathers will for good even though it is breaking Him ‘to the bone’.
The good thief recognises that he deserves it but Christ does not.
There is a lot to be revealed there but in suffering, our deepest loves or lack of love will be revealed if the sufferings are acute enough.
Source: Michael Sirilla – “Franciscan University Presents”
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