Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Today's Mass Readings

All the major world religions deal with the problem of suffering. For Hinduism and Buddhism, for example, this world is suffering itself. Mortals escape suffering through breaking the cycle of rebirth. For Christianity, we acknowledge that suffering is part of earthly existence. Yet the coming of the Lord Jesus in His Paschal Mystery changed it. Now, we can unite suffering to the Cross of Christ to grow in holiness and convert sinners. We too hope for a heaven without suffering.

For a Christian, then, part of this-world’s life is to suffer well. Modern life has grown in comfort and convenience. Even things that a generation or two ago would have been considered morally egregious we are eager to leave as a possibility because suffering is unacceptable to us. Things like divorce and assisted suicide are presented as compassionate. And as many state referendums have demonstrated, even those who oppose abortion generally are reluctant to rule out the option completely should their loved one be faced with a perceived “problem” pregnancy. It’s human nature to want others at least to uphold the rules while giving ourselves an easy out.

Today Jesus calls us to unite ritual action to its moral dimension. Not only should we worship the merciful God whom we cannot repay through a substitutionary sacrifice, but we should make an equivalent sign to those wronged. We would rather just do the ritual action and not face suffering. Both are necessary and the latter will mean suffering.

We as Christians are not just called to suffer well but also to alleviate the burden of others’ suffering. Another feature of our contemporary world is forced apologies but without forgiveness. There must be more saying one is sorry, but also more willingness to grant forgiveness. Forgiving can be a form of suffering too. If we bear the name of Christian, let this start with us.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB