Hey there,
Disappointment, frustration, unhappiness, pain … just a few of the challenges we experience in life.
Some are minor irritations. Others are setbacks or even life-altering events.
It may happen directly to us. Or to someone we love.
Our response to these challenges affects our happiness. But more importantly, how we choose to respond directly impacts our entry to heaven.
God teaches us to take up our cross and live with dignity. And to love others in the midst of their suffering.
God has not promised to free us from suffering. Instead, God promises to save us through our suffering.
Pope John Paul II lived this example in the final years of his life. Despite declining health, he continued to travel and do God’s work. Even in the final days–and hours–of his life, Pope John Paul offered up his suffering for the world to see.
“Even I offer up my sufferings, so that God’s plan is fulfilled and so that His word spreads among the people. I am also close to those who, at this moment, are tried by sufferings. I pray for each one of them.”
~ Pope John Paul II, March 2005
The only way to be happy is to do God’s will, and you can’t do that without a cross. This week’s resources provide understanding, instruction, and inspiration for dealing with your crosses and finding more happiness.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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5 Types of Suffering
Suffering is a part of human life. But according to Father Ian VanHeusen, not all suffering is created equal. He lays out for us 5 distinct types of suffering and how we should deal with them.
5 Types of Suffering and What to Do With Them | Ian VanHeusen
Dealing With Suffering
Suffering is not unique to Catholics. But we are called to deal with suffering in certain ways. To help with this, here are 5 ways we can deal with suffering and grief.
5 Useful Ways Catholics Can Deal With Suffering And Grief | Catholic 365
Stop Asking Why
It’s human nature when things go wrong to ask, “Why me?” or “Why now?” We desperately want to understand what we did … or didn’t do to cause it. Why is this happening? But the fact is we’ll likely never understand the why. Instead, Mary Ann Steutermann says we should focus on the How.
On Suffering: How I Stopped Asking ‘Why’ and Started Asking ‘How’ | Busted Halo
Getting to Happiness
God wants us to be happy. But as Tom Hoopes explains, the only way to get to happiness is by doing God’s will … and that requires a cross.
The Lesson From Sunday’s Readings is a Hard But Good One: How to Get to Happiness | Aleteia
Forgiveness in Suffering
At times our suffering is the result of another person’s actions. And it can be very difficult to forgive that person … to let go of bitterness. Bella Rol reminds us that we are called to forgive those who hurt us and, in fact, we should pray for them.
Surprise Forgiveness in Unthinkable Suffering | Blessed is She
More Than Bearing Burdens
Taking up our cross is about bearing our burdens. But it’s actually about more than that. It has to do with how we live our life in its totality. Here’s what you need to know.
“Remember Your Death”: Taking up Your Cross is About More Than Bearing Burdens | ChurchPOP
Pope JPII And Suffering
Over the course of Pope John Paul II’s 16+ year pontificate we watched him go from a healthy, athletic man to one suffering with numerous ailments. He became a role model for how we should respond to our own suffering and illness with grace.
Pope John Paul II and Suffering | Franciscan Media
Prayers For Suffering
When you’re suffering, here are several prayers to offer up your suffering to the Lord.
Prayers for Offering Up Suffering: To Make Lemonade Out of Lemons | Our Catholic Prayers
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