Through Baptism, we are incorporated into Christ and the Church and so begin our Christian vocation (cf. CCC n. 1268, Can. 204). This vocation is one that marks us with a special seal that differentiates us from non-Christians. Thus, we are in the world but not of the world (cf. Jn 17:16).
Therefore, we are called to perceive SUFFERING, no longer as the world does. Suffering, no matter where it is coming from, once offered to God in prayer, should be borne with peace and humble trust in God; who always comes to our help and will never allow us to be shamed (cf. Is 50:7). This is indeed the disposition that Jesus invites us to have when he said “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his CROSS daily and follow me” (cf. Mt 16:24, CCD nn. 342-346).
Christ, having endured suffering, reminds us that “A servant is not greater than his master” (cf. Jn 15:20); since he suffered patiently, we too must follow his footsteps.
👉🏼Unfortunately, our generation is giving rise to a set of Christians who, though they want to follow Christ, but they don’t want to be associated with his suffering. Such persons so much detest suffering that they are ready to do anything just to avoid it, even if it means cursing Jesus Christ and choosing faith-threatening alternatives. Such persons are very much around us today; they indulge in all forms of immoralities and heinous crimes just to avoid the sufferings of poverty, childlessness, sickness, unemployment, delayed marriage or admission into higher institutions, exam failure, etc.
In the face of whatever suffering we may encounter, Jesus is teaching us today to always seek a Christian and just way out while humbly trusting in God thus: “Let your will be done and not mine” (cf. Lk 22:42). Thus , the Church teaches:
SUFFERING, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus” (cf. CCC, no. 1521).
Also, as Christians, we must always bear in mind that ‘sufferings’ in our life are no longer ordinary but ‘SALVIFIC‘, i. e capable of leading us to heaven (cf. John Paul II’s Salvifici Doloris, no. 1).
👉🏼 Finally, while making choices in life, we should be careful to avoid SELF-IMPOSED SUFFERINGS. For example, a student who abandons his/her studies to be engaging in fraudulent or immoral activities is certainly blameworthy of whatever would be his/her ill lot as a result of such carelessness.
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of sorrows, to obtain for us always the grace of patient-endurance in the face of suffering. Amen🙏🏼
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(CATECHESIS (NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE) FOR THE PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY, YEAR C
READINGS: R1 Is 50:4-7, R2 Phil 2:6-11, Gosp Lk 22:14-23:56).
