with the suffering jesus
“If we are children, we are heirs as well: heirs of God, heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Him so as to be glorified with Him.” —Romans 8:17
Jesus is with us (Mt 28:20), and we are with Him. We are heirs with Him and glorified with Him “if only we suffer with Him.” Everyone wants to be a glorified heir, but are we willing to be a crucified sufferer with Him? Do we miraculously even find joy in sharing in His sufferings? (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13) Do we consider it a privilege not only to believe in Him but also suffer with and for Him? (Phil 1:29) Do we “consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us”? (Rm 8:18)
Jesus wants to remove many, but not all, sufferings from our lives. Jesus continues to free men and women who have been in the bondage of Satan, shackled (Lk 13:16), drained of strength, and badly stooped for eighteen years (Lk 13:11) or more. Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for us (Mt 9:36). By His wounds, Jesus heals us (1 Pt 2:24). However, Jesus does not remove all sufferings. He gives us the opportunity to “fill up what is lacking” in His sufferings “for the sake of His Body, the Church” (Col 1:24).
Therefore, be healed of many sufferings and also choose to suffer in the pattern of Jesus’ death (Phil 3:10). Choose to suffer persecution and rejection for the Gospel. Choose fasting, penances, and other sacrifices. Rejoice! You are not suffering alone. You suffer with Him.
Prayer: Jesus, teach me how to share in Your sufferings by being formed into the pattern of Your death (Phil 3:10).
Promise: “God gives a home to the forsaken; He leads forth prisoners to prosperity.” —Ps 68:7
Praise: Fr. Huang kept the faith though imprisoned for years by a secular government hostile to the Church.
Reference: (The annual Married Couples Retreat is Nov. 10-11. This is a popular retreat with inspired teachings and Christian support. Call 513-373-2397 or email retreats@presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 15, 2023"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.