Helping the Suffering

Lent is here again - a time to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ and seek inner transformation through fasting, prayer, and acts of generosity. We enter the Lenten season committed to make a difference in our own lives, in the lives of those we love, and in the lives of brothers and sisters who suffer.

The book of Job attempts to answer an age-old question: why do people suffer? Moreover, the question becomes harder when it is narrowed down to people who suffer due to no fault of their own.

In unfair suffering every hope is taken from a person. They may even feel that they shall not see happiness again. When this happens we must help them open their hearts and minds to God. There is no person other than his own Creator, who can understand his pain and suffering. In seeking God We should see this action not as a search for meaning for his misfortune, but rather his heartfelt prayer before God. It is a prayer seeking God’s help through difficult times. But we must also help them with spiritual support and practical aid.

Jesus shows us how to respond to human suffering. Whenever Jesus saw a suffering person, He got up and went near to that person and brought healing to that person. We see Jesus helping the mother-in-law of Peter and then until late night, curing a lot of people who had come to Him seeking healing. Jesus constantly worked hard to eradicate evil.

Jesus shows us that evil can be overcome by being compassionate and caring for each other. He did not discuss why or how, but rather, did His part. He showed us that when we respond to people's sufferings, we become truly human and become more like Him.

May God bless us all as we continue or mission to help those in need.

Deacon John Girolami DTS
SSVP Spiritual Advisor ONRC