Episode 2482: Embracing Suffering with Trust and Faith - Morning Episode

Today, we will explore a topic that touches each of us—suffering. From a traditional Catholic perspective, how should we view suffering? How can we embrace it with trust in God? The saints and Scripture have much to teach us about this challenging but transformative aspect of our spiritual journey.
Suffering is something we all face at various points in life. Whether it be physical pain, emotional distress, or spiritual trials, suffering can feel overwhelming. Yet, the saints remind us that God’s providence is at work even in these moments.
St. Catherine of Siena offers us profound insight into God’s mysterious ways when she says, "You are asking for something that would be harmful to your salvation if you had it so by not getting what you've asked, you really are getting what you want." This quote reminds us that God, in His infinite wisdom, often withholds what we desire because He knows what is ultimately best for our souls. We may think we know what we need, but God sees beyond our limited understanding. Sometimes, not receiving what we ask for is the greatest act of mercy God can show us.

This teaching of St. Catherine speaks to the heart of the Catholic understanding of suffering. We are called to trust in God’s will, even when it leads us through difficult paths. God allows suffering not to punish us, but to purify and strengthen us, leading us closer to Him and to our ultimate salvation.
Fr. Jacques Philippe echoes this sentiment when he writes, "What really hurts is not so much suffering as the fear of suffering. If welcomed trustingly and peacefully, suffering makes us grow. It matures and trains us, purifies us, teaches us to love unselfishly, makes us poor in heart, humble, gentle, and compassionate toward our neighbor." Fear of suffering can paralyze us, making the pain seem unbearable. But when we welcome suffering with trust, it becomes a powerful tool for our spiritual growth.
As Catholics, we believe that suffering, when united with Christ’s Passion, has redemptive value. Christ Himself embraced the Cross, transforming it from a symbol of death into a means of salvation. In our own lives, we are called to imitate Christ by carrying our crosses with faith and love. This is not easy, but it is possible when we unite our sufferings with His.

St. Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the Romans: "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us" (Romans 8:18). This powerful Scripture passage reminds us that our sufferings are temporary, but the glory that awaits us in heaven is eternal. When we suffer, it can be hard to see beyond the pain, but St. Paul encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the promise of eternal life. The trials we endure now are preparing us for the joy of being united with God in heaven.
The Role of Trust in Suffering: A key component in embracing suffering is trust in God. Without trust, suffering can lead to despair, but with trust, it becomes a pathway to holiness. As Fr. Philippe teaches, "Fear of suffering... hardens us in self-protective, defensive attitudes, and often leads us to make irrational choices with disastrous consequences." When we fear suffering, we try to avoid it at all costs, sometimes making decisions that are harmful to our spiritual well-being. Trust, on the other hand, softens our hearts, allowing us to surrender to God’s will and to find peace even in the midst of trials.

Trusting in God does not mean that suffering will disappear, but it does mean that we can endure it with hope. We believe that God will never abandon us in our suffering and that He will bring good out of even the most difficult situations. This trust is not blind or naïve; it is rooted in the knowledge that God is all-loving and all-powerful. He is our Father, and He will not allow us to suffer in vain.
Conclusion: In our trials and sufferings, let us remember the wisdom of St. Catherine of Siena, who reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and He often gives us what we truly need, even when it is not what we ask for. Let us also embrace the words of Fr. Jacques Philippe, who encourages us to welcome suffering with trust and peace, knowing that it will help us grow in holiness. Finally, let us keep in mind the powerful words of St. Paul, who reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us in heaven.
Suffering is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced with trust in God’s providence. When we unite our sufferings with Christ, they become a means of purification, growth, and ultimately, salvation.

Ending Prayer: Let us close with a prayer.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who embraced suffering for our salvation. Grant us the grace to unite our sufferings with His and to trust in Your divine providence. Help us to welcome the crosses You send us with peace and confidence, knowing that they are leading us closer to You. Strengthen our faith, so that we may never fear suffering, but instead, embrace it as a path to holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.