Human Suffering?

By Mike Lambrecht

       Many people have wondered about the role of suffering in our society. Suffering can take on many forms. To some it is a gift from God; to others it is meaningless. People often wonder: Why does it exist? Why is it necessary? Why can't it be eliminated? A look into the Church’s view of suffering in the world can help us to shed light on these questions.

       For the Church, the role of suffering is connected with the original sin. Prior to the fall there was no death, no illness, no misery, no suffering. At the time of Adam and Eve's first sin, all of this changed. Death, decay, misery, and illness were brought into the world. This is not a result of God inflicting this upon us, but of our own free choice to turn away from him.

       The Church teaches us that suffering is not merely a meaningless problem for one individual. When “endured [suffering] can mean that ‘in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s affliction for the sake of his Body, that is the Church” (CCC 1508). One can then ask, what is lacking in the affliction of Christ? The answer is nothing. Christ's sacrifice was made once and for all. It was and is complete. However, Jesus allows us to unite our suffering to his to give it meaning. Therefore the Church views suffering not as meaningless, but as having a definite value. That value is to share in the salvation of the world.

         For the Church, “suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus” (CCC 1521). Therefore, what some view as meaningless takes on a meaning of the highest importance for the Church. For nothing is more important than the salvation of souls. Suffering now plays a role in the salvation of the world. The Church does not view suffering as a singular event that takes place in the life of one individual, as some would, but it is interconnected with everyone else in the world. It is “offered up” in order to make recompense for the sins of others.

       While it is very easy to tell someone to offer up their suffering, it becomes much harder when we are the ones called upon to "offer it up." I believe, and scripture tells us, that with the grace of God all things are possible. We must remember that there is nothing that God puts before us in this life that he does not give sufficient grace for us to deal with.

        To close, suffering, indeed all pain and trials, can be viewed in the Church’s eyes as having a vital role in the work of God. This role is, namely, that of participating in the suffering of Christ for the salvation of all. Some may find this answer inadequate. However, we must remember that our life on earth is but a test. It is a trial to which we are subjected. The ultimate goal of all of our lives should be to get to heaven. We can take comfort in the fact that if we are faithful, one day, there will be no more suffering, no more death, no more misery. There will remain only the love of God, the delight of being reunited with our loved ones, and the joy of being with our Father in heaven for all eternity.

United States Catholic Conference. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pauline Books and Media, 1994.