St. Ignatius Loyola
Plate 4
I have to admit that I have been avoiding writing this blog for a long time. I’m not sure if this is a one-time exploration for this topic. Let’s face it, when we hear the word suffering connected with faith – specifically Christianity – people cringe: I know I do! Whether you’re a person of faith or not, when the word is uttered, we end up anticipating judgement or the use of a theological lens that is less than life-affirming is often the response.
And yet I keep returning to the topic almost every time I prepare to muse. This time, it seems that I have taken the plunge. So – please – be gentle with me if I stumble and do comment, email and/or tweet to continue the discussion. I am pretty certain what I have to offer is not authoritative, but I do think it might be an opportunity for conversation, which arises from our collective experience!
Here’s the stage for this blog: Easter!
We’re in the time and season of Easter. The central message of Christianity is the gift of awakening, of new life, of becoming that which the Universe knows we are: beautiful, holy and a blessing. This Easter message – for me – challenges us to commitment/discipleship, to discern where our energy goes and how/if we model the radicality of Jesus’ ministry. And – let’s face it – that ministry’s high point doesn’t fit triumphalism very well!
But, but, but … here’s the paradox: Jesus’ ministry, the Easter experience is brilliant, inspiring and has and will continue to embolden people to do crazy – some might even be so bold to say ‘stupid’ – things. Sacrifice and solidarity are not what most people would frame as a sellable message. And how this connects with suffering …
I think I will test three statements for the sake of the brevity of a blog. I may even revisit them in more detail as individual explorations. But I suspect this beginning may help me get some of my thoughts down to nurture our conversation …
The Joy of Life
- Suffering: Is not our natural state. We are not ‘meant’ or designed to endure trials. However you understand the Holy, suffering is not a test, a gift or an inevitably designed plan. Someone’s suffering is not another person’s teacher;
- Suffering: Is part of the complicated reality of life; it is connected with the realities and unpredictable nature of life. There will be suffering. All of us will endure the inevitable pain that arises as our bodies travel in a linear line. Whether that’s connected with aging; experiences of loss and hurt; and/or the challenges of finding dignity in contexts of have and have not; and,
- Suffering: Has been and will be misused by those who have privilege. And – dear reader – that’s me and most of you who have access to the internet. Those who have had an opportunity to benefit from education, who can read, have access to health care and are nurtured by stable cultures and families. We create the lens through which we see another’s ‘suffering.’ In turn, we can rationalise another’s ‘suffering’ and – in turn – distance ourselves from the Other
Back to Easter …
- Jesus CHOSE the path that led to enduring and suffering an execution that is unimaginable to me;
- Jesus CHOSE to walk with those who do not, did not, and will not have privilege; and,
- Jesus CHOSE suffering.
I am not implying or trying to celebrate suffering as a choice. I feel – I intuit – that these three inklings about Jesus are key for me as I wrestle with the nature of suffering.
Choice implies a path: Jesus’ own awakening, which I see unfolding up to the Easter moment, meant he walked with solidarity with those who suffered (See #3). It was inevitable that by embracing solidarity, he would experience suffering himself (Let’s face it, we just need to read about the Disciples concerns’ and challenges’ in the Gospels: they knew he and they were turning a nest that most just let lie). And – if the story ended on Good Friday – it’d be a hard sell in a consumer culture that equates bang for the buck!
But it didn’t … and so here I am feeling touched by the joy of Easter – it’s rather palpable truth be told. And I also feel a deep awareness of this thing called suffering. I’m not sure if I’ve arrived any closer to clarity, but I do feel like a conversation I may have been avoiding, might finally unfold …
This central event (Easter) as is related and celebrated in Christian religions means to me that it is ok to chose to end suffering by chosing death. It seems to say to me that if one is suffering intolerable, unavoidable pain, mental or physical, death is a reasonable, even celebrated choice. Is not this message a real dictotomy for christians?
Thanks for this Mike! I admit I had not even considered the pastoral aspect of suffering as well and how it connects with life, well-being and dignity! Wow! I knew that this conversation would be rich – but I had not thought that I would find myself with even more to reflect upon this quickly! For me this dichotomy – as you put it – is certainly not in tension with my faith. In fact, I think ending suffering is indeed an appropriate response to reflect upon. I am not sure there is a universal way to equate all situations and I also think there is an ethical need to be able to have such conversations. Does that make sense? Does this response for you?
Thanks for this Mike! I admit I had not even considered the pastoral aspect of suffering as well and how it connects with life, well-being and dignity! Wow! I knew that this conversation would be rich – but I had not thought that I would find myself with even more to reflect upon this quickly! For me this dichotomy – as you put it – is certainly not in tension with my faith. In fact, I think ending suffering is indeed an appropriate response to reflect upon. I am not sure there is a universal way to equate all situations and I also think there is an ethical need to be able to have such conversations. Does that make sense? Does this response for you?