Author Topic: SUFFERING (Read 797 times)

MyrnaM · « **on:** July 27, 2011, 06:38:40 PM »

Okay, I have this question for a long time, and don't like to talk about it.

Reading all about the Saints and how they suffered, and realizing that suffering is a big part of being Catholic. I even have a prayer that I say daily, asking God to allow me to suffer, and unite it with His suffering for the salvation of sinners mainly my loved ones.

I also have had my days of great suffering, the death of my grandchild, I worry constantly about my son in Afghanistan, I am praying always for my adult children and now my grandchildren, their souls. I suffer pain from arthritis and am always so tired especially after 6:00 P.M. can hardly keep my eyes opened. Yet I love my life, and this is where the problem comes in.

YET! I feel guilty that I am a happy person. I am content, happy and love doing my hobbies, work and prayer life.

I feel guilty because I don't hate my life, like we are suppose to; "If you love your life you will lose it", remember that in the Bible.

On the other hand, I am looking forward to dying and hope to see God. I try to imagine what it will be like when my soul leaves my body and with my angel I will take flight to judgement. I am actually looking forward to it.

So what is wrong with this picture I painted.

PartyIsOver221 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2011, 06:41:44 PM »

Myrna,

God bless you. There is nothing wrong with being happy; I almost sensed some scrupulosity coming out when you said that at the end of your post. We ARE all going to suffer in this life, and it just depends how we tie it to the Cross or if we do not. If we do, then we merit graces for us and our benefactors. If we do not, then it is a wasted opportunity for spiritual growth.

I hope one day I can visit the Mount, live near a CMRI chapel and have a massive Catholic family. Maybe one day, God willing.

Sigismund · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2011, 07:26:42 PM »

I have always understood that verse to mean, "If you love your life more than God..."

Take what God sends you in a spirit of faith and you'll be fine.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2011, 09:23:08 PM »

{{{{Myrna}}}}

God gave you a happy character, and it's OK. We can't ALL be neurotic, unhappy,depressing!
:cheers:

Happy people are wonderful.

rowsofvoices9 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2011, 09:30:58 PM »

I think all the saints were happy people and grateful to God for their life even though they suffered a lot.

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2011, 12:46:50 AM »

Most of the time, when one feels really happy, it is because he has an inward security and a sense of joy and trust in his heart. Also because he has aims that he hopes to achieve. Aims are what make you want to wake up every morning and they are what give your life meaning. The sense of having done something gives a very positive feeling.
Happiness and sadness are not always results of good or bad things happening.
Not having a quest in life and falling into despair is what all depressed people share. If one has no wishes it is not fulfillment, it is death.
Faith and family are about quest, wishes and hope. They give you joy, trust and a sense of inward security.
Why shouldn't you be happy? It is how you must be:)

Exilenomore · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2011, 04:36:25 AM »

The only sorrow is sin. I think St. Francis of Assisi said that a sad face is unbecoming for a servant of God. It is a great mystery of the Christian faith that he who has been bought free by the Blood of Christ experiences joy in the midst of suffering. Because the joy of eternity with God transcends any trial through which we can go on earth.

So indeed, the only true sorrow is the loss of God; sin.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2011, 08:14:48 AM »

I am actually crying as I read the notes here, thank you all so much for your replies.