In life, whatever belief one may hold or whatever religion one belong to, no one can forget, escape, avoid or prevent physical, mental and spiritual suffering. Many a philosopher and founders of religions and religious leaders have attempted to explain, understand and find ways to be liberated from suffering.
Jesus by assuming our human nature accepted the inevitable and unavoidable suffering which is so closely and inseparably a part of life. Jesus has shown that suffering is not only a consequence of sin and evil, but also the test and proof of genuine love. Although suffering is an inescapable reality in life, it is not an end in itself but leads to life.
Jesus who did not sin went through suffering not as a result of sin, but because of His merciful love embraced suffering to redeem us sinners. He suffered to defeat evil. He suffered and died to overcome death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Jesus made suffering redemptive by being merciful even to those who caused him suffering and death and inspired us to do likewise. Suffering borne purposefully and peacefully will never go waste without achieving its purpose. In fact God the Father rewarded the suffering and death of Jesus His Son by raising him from the dead and bringing us salvation.
Our celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the mystery that gives hope, joy and meaning to our life. Suffering therefore, must be accepted in peace for one’s own salvation and for the well being of others, above all as the proof of true love of oneself, of others and of God.
The celebration of Easter or the Paschal mystery of Christ is the principal feast in the liturgical calendar of the Church. It lays the path of Christian spirituality for all members of the Church be it the laity, the Religious or the Clergy. Jesus is clear about his call to his followers: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will save it” (Mk. 8:34-35).
Drawing a lesson from nature Jesus teaches that losing, suffering and dying to self is life-giving: “Unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest” (Jhn. 12: 24).
This dynamic is at work in nature as well as in human life. In his own suffering, death and resurrection Jesus saw how fruitful and life-giving it was in respect of redeeming the whole of sinful mankind in his merciful love.
This realistic teaching of Jesus ought to be applied to one’s own personal life, married and family life, social life and life of work irrespective of age and circumstances in life. This paschal spirituality makes life meaningful, fruitful and joyful.
I wish you a joyful and blessed Easter.
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