In the face of suffering, the believer is not to look for the “hidden God”-that is, God in his secret majesty. We cannot even attempt to figure out by speculation why we are suffering. We can only, with Moses, look upon God’s “back-side,” his compassion and mercy as revealed in Christ and his cross. While God’s hidden will in suffering cannot be found, and searching for it can only drive one to depression or delusion, his revealed will is displayed in the suffering of Christ, in which his people are called to share.
Suddenly, in light of this, the dark, mysterious, fearful spectre of suffering is removed even though the pain, even thought the physical and emotional realities continue unabated. Still bewildered by the problem pain, the soul at least is at rest, confident in God’s mercies in Christ. Again, God chooses what is foolish, despised, weak, ridiculous, and offensive to us and makes this the very way in which he will come to us in wisdom, power, and salvation. Just when our own reasoning judges God the furthest away, he is closest. When the heart seems to be apprehending God’s judgment and wrath, the Father is most deeply revealing his love and grace.
So, Paul says, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom. 5:2-5)
Michael Horton, In the Face of God: The Dangers and Delights of Spiritual Intimacy, p. 77.
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Nice job, Mark.
However there is a more beautiful, deeper and profound writing which deals with human suffering and pain:
“Salvifici Doloris: The Christian Meaning of Suffering.” Google the title.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your SAKE, and in my flesh I COMPLETE what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the SAKE of his Body, that is, the Church.”(Col 1:24-25).
Dictionary:
SAKE: 1.benefit/profit: anything that is advantageous or for the good of a person/s 2. purpose or end.
SACRIFICE: noun: 1. Offering of life or anything to a deity, Supreme Being or God in homage,atonement and propitiation.
If the above meaning/definition according to dictionary is true then our sufferings and sacrifices somewhat have an ATONING VALUE to it aside from pleasing to God.
How could one benefit if your suffering doesn't have any value and purpose to the eyes of God?
2 Timothy 2:10
Apostle Paul said: “For this reason I endure all things for the SAKE of those who are chosen, so that they also MAY OBTAIN the SALVATION which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”
This St. Paul talking about his sufferings being offered to God that somehow have a “salvific” implications for christians?
Clearly, when we offer our sufferings and sacrifices they are both pleasing and have an atonement VALUE to God for the SAKE of His Church which does not violate the “once and for all” Sufferings of Jesus Christ.
If we could only understand how the body of Christ works, where we are all intimately interwoven and part of – if one part merits all the body merits, if one part suffers all the body suffers too! (if your tooth hurts all your body feels it too).
Very Catholic. Very Biblical.