Suffering and Hope of Glory

“For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18 ESV)

There is no doubt that there is much suffering in the world - mental anguish, physical pain, heartbreak, darkness of the soul.  The list could go on and on.  The thing to remember in times of suffering is that God is with us through it all.  He never abandons us or leaves us without the grace and strength to endure patiently and with grace.  God, in His infinite mercy, sends His Spirit to guide us through turmoil and pain in a way that will allow us to join our suffering to His for the redemption of souls.

Many people pray for their pain to end and struggle through it without seeking God’s help to endure whatever they must with courage.  Some people wallow in their pain neither seeking relief nor the strength to bear their pain.  Others pray for healing and God in His infinite wisdom grants them healing.  And still others offer their pain to God for their own salvation and the salvation of those in most need of God’s mercy - they enter into redemptive suffering.   

I believe that when God sees us suffering He wishes to ease our burden and give us rest for our souls.  Jesus knows better than anyone pain, anguish, and suffering.  Who better to seek help from?

Every time we receive Jesus in Eucharist He blesses us with His healing presence.  We do not realize the power of His Eucharistic presence within us to touch, bless, and heal.  If we realized and embraced His healing presence within us He could move more powerfully within us.  God can only give what a soul is willing to accept.  If a soul does not wish to accept His healing love or does not open itself to His healing power He is only able to do what that soul allows.  He will not impose Himself on a soul because every soul has free will and He will abide by each soul’s choice. 

The greatest healing God can offer us is complete union with Him in heaven.  Remember this is our ultimate goal no matter what anguish we may face in this life.  Eternal union with Jesus, Our Father and Their Spirit is the greatest gift God can offer us.  So let us stand strong, be open to God’s healing presence, pray for and accept His blessings and His strength, and rest in the knowledge that we will no longer suffer when we enter into eternal glory with Him.