Fifth Sunday in Lent
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
MP3: God undergoes sacrificial suffering for His People
Eleven years ago, a very controversial movie came into select theaters. It was not given the best reviews by critics. Many in Hollywood brushed it aside as a “religious film, which appealed to only a small segment of the population.” Despite these obstacles, the Passion of the Christ became a smash hit. It became one of the top 25 box office films of all time. This was even more amazing considering its rather meager budget and advertising. For many of us, this movie has become a classic and annual viewing material during the season of Lent.
People of all faiths and no belief system are drawn to gaze upon the crucifix wherever it is displayed. There is just something captivating about the concept of a God undergoing sacrificial suffering for His people. The Passion is timeless in its appeal. This can be seen in the continued popularity of the Stations of the Cross, which for hundreds of years have drawn us into meditation on the self-emptying of the God-man.
Why is this? Do we enjoy seeing and thinking about a man being brutally executed? No, obviously this would be demented. Maybe we all long for an answer to human suffering. The age old question constantly gnaws at us: Why is evil in the world? Why does a good God allow suffering to occur?
Comfort or Greatness?
This is especially the case today in a world where technological advances promote comfort and promise an ever easier existence. Many think that we should try to avoid suffering at all cost. After all, what is the point of it? Why should we experience pain if it can at all be avoided?
And yet we are intrigued by this Passion of the Christ. It is so contrary to reason. That God who is all powerful, all knowing, and all good would abase Himself for us. In His human nature, Jesus Christ, would become “a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people” (Ps 22:6).
This is all so ironic that it draws our attention. There is a mystery present here, which goes beyond our human understanding. Jesus “learned obedience through suffering.” Not only is suffering endured by the Christ, but it is also held up as something which can be of value to man. We can be purified in some way by enduring suffering.
Suffering is Necessary
As if this is not enough, Jesus goes even further in the Gospel. He says, “…unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” Not only can suffering be beneficial, but the Lord tells us that it is a necessary part of us becoming fully human or holy.
This does not mean we look for suffering. In itself, suffering is evil. It is the result of Original Sin and each of our personal sins. Ordinarily, suffering and pain should be avoided. However, in our fallen world, there are times we cannot elude suffering without compromising our faith, harming others, and/or breaking commitments we have made. These opportunities, Jesus tells us, are the crosses that we must take up and carry if we are to be His disciples.
Because of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection suffering now has a redemptive aspect to it. We share in the redemption of the whole world by bearing the crosses which come to us. This does not mean that we look for suffering. But, we cannot avoid all pain and sorrow while journeying in this fallen world. To attempt to evade all suffering would do incredible harm to ourselves and those we profess to love. We would never become the person God created us to be.
Sacrificial Love
Looking at Jesus’ self-sacrifice gives us a new perspective on life. We see a new form of love displayed for all the world. This agape love sacrifices and even suffers for others. It is the highest form of love imaginable. Each time we are faced with unavoidable pain or suffering it is an opportunity to rise above our human nature. Carrying our cross with Christ purifies us and offers a powerful witness of charity for all to see.
As we gaze upon the crucifix this Lent, may we see in it a sign of true charity and an invitation to holiness. For by the cross the evil and death have been defeated. Suffering is a temporary bridge which leads to eternal happiness in heaven.