"Brothers and sisters: I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body" - Col 1:24 (Optional Memorial of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr)
"I rejoice in my sufferings." That seems like such a contradictory statement, especially in the eyes of the world. It sounds almost like we want to suffer or have fun while suffering, which is ridiculous. No one I know wants to suffer. When I was little and got hurt, my mom would say, "Offer it up for the souls in purgatory." It was one of those things that I just did because I was told to; it didn't really make much sense until I was older.
But, like a mom that gets up in the middle of the night to change her screaming child's diaper, getting out of bed while thoroughly exhausted can still bring a sense of peace and joy knowing that the one she loves is out of pain. Suffering can bring great good when joined with the sufferings of Christ. "What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" is only our participation. In these times of suffering, unite your suffering with His. You're probably not going to be crucified, or stabbed to death like St. Fidelis but imagine if what you are going through today could get someone out purgatory? Don't let even your headache get wasted.
Think about what suffering are you going through that you can unite with Christ's suffering. Is there someone in particular you would like to offer it for?
Lord, as we struggle to Courageously Live the Gospel, help us to know You are with us in our suffering and that there is no pain You have not suffered first.
Reflection by:
Tina Ver Pault
Did You Know...
Tina VerPault was born and raised in Boston. Tina is one of the youngest of 14 children. She is blessed with 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren whom she loves dearly. A long-time parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview, she has served as a parish secretary and director of religious education, as well as many other ministries, since 2003. Tina was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minister and encourages everyone who would like to deepen their knowledge of our faith through the LPMI at the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
