BETTER TO SUFFER FOR DOING GOOD

Philosophers, theologians and literary giants have said the same thing over and over again, in a million and one different ways. Suffering is part and parcel of the human condition. We actually share this with the rest of the animal world. We can’t have it all. Our nature as limited, finite beings entails with it the truth of necessary pain, what philosophers call “existential pain.”

The second reading today curiously refers to this reality of pain but connects it with two possible sources. Either way, St. Peter seems to say, one will suffer. But he reminds us of what the Lord Himself, in His righteousness and holiness, underwent… suffered and died for a good cause: our salvation.

In other words, we can suffer because of evil deeds and we can suffer on account of good deeds. The former is suffering that enslaves; the latter is suffering that liberates. Suffering for the good that is part of our human condition of finiteness is, therefore, salvific and redemptive, like that of Christ.

I have shared this with you in earlier reflections. I am an avid fan of the late Pope John Paul II for many reasons. But the top in my list has to do with precisely this: the great suffering he endured for doing good, simply for claiming his right and duty to teach and preach in season and out of season. He suffered exceedingly in life, just as Pope Paul VI suffered greatly in the aftermath of Vatican II, especially after he released his encyclical Humanae Vitae.

But this is the way of discipleship. This is the way of faith, hope and love. Peter counsels us to be “prepared to answer for the hope that is in us.” When we do, when we begin to remind people of the world that goes beyond this earthly reality, we will inevitably get some flak for it. He connects this readiness to proclaim the Gospel with pain, just as the Lord did when He said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Take it from Peter and his Master: “It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Make an inventory of the sufferings you experienced in your life. Is it because of evil deeds? Or on account of good deeds?

 

Lord, purify me through my sufferings.

 

St. Votus, Felix and John, pray for us.