Section 4 THE PASCHAL MYSTERY AND YOUR LIFE

Section 4: THE PASCHAL MYSTERY AND YOUR LIFE

Section 4, Part 2: SUFFERING AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY

Introduction o. Suffering is the first step and an essential part of the Paschal Mystery (at least in the narrow sense) o. Emotional, physical, and spiritual pain are an inevitable part of being human o. Strangely humans seek to avoid or escape or ignore suffering o. The Paschal Mystery invites us to face, accept, and triumph over suffering o. Good News: Jesus transforms suffering into a redemptive path to eternal life o. Suffering is an opportunity to participate in Christ’s saving work o. Three articles o (A. 38) – Making Sense of Suffering o (A. 39) -- Is Accepting Suffering a Sign of Weakness o (A. 40) – Finding Strength in Times of Suffering

Article 38: Making Sense of Suffering o. Paradox of pain and suffering: Good God and Good People o. Book of Job helps us make sense of this paradox of suffering o Perspective of Job’s friends vs. Job himself o Finite human minds cannot understand the mystery of God’s plan including suffering o But not completely incomprehensible either—Paschal Mystery opens door to understanding o. Keys to comprehension o Not original plan but came in with Original Sin o Incarnation reveals that suffering is redemptive—sacrifice = suffering freely accepted o Participation in Christ’s 1 NT sacrifice; not many OT animal sacrifices o A way to fulfill our priestly munera received in Baptism o Wonderful example of Christian faith, hope, and charity—theological virtues o. Practical examples of participating in Christ’s one redemptive sacrifice o Personal and other’s sickness & pain; popularity for truth, beauty, & goodness; money, time, and talent; conservation at personal cost; evangelization; sexuality; … others that speak to you… o. As always, need prayer, Sacraments, self-reflection to accomplish in today’s world o. Suffering in the Bible—Job, 2 Maccabees, Isaiah, Matthew, John, 2 Corinthians, 1 Peter, …

Homework o. Read AA. 39 -40 in the Paschal Mystery e-book for discussion Monday o. Section 4, Part 2 HW; #’s 1 -3 (at the end of A. 40)

Article 39: Is Accepting Suffering a Sign of Weakness oa

Article 40: Finding Strength in Times of Suffering oa

Homework o 4. 2 HW; #’s 4 -6 (at the end of A. 40) o. Study for the Section 4, Part 2 Quiz tomorrow (AA. 38 -40) o. Make sure the Section 4, Part 2 Homework is ready to turn in tomorrow (#’s 1 -6 at the end of A. 40)