Of suffering and fruitfulness

Last week’s readings from Genesis were about how God blessed Noah and his descendants, making a covenant of provenance and protection with them

by setting the bow in the clouds as a sign. God said to them be fertile and multiply. Hence to do the will of God is to bear fruit, bring new life, and the reason why so few people engage in this, continued Father Anthony, is because people now do their best to avoid suffering due to selfishness.

Suffering may mean experiencing pain or discomfort, either physical or psychological. It can be protracted and dull, or sudden and crippling. There is usually privation and hardship involved, but in a broader sense, suffering can mean any circumstance that involves an inconvenience to our lives. It could simply be the need for discipline and hard work to perfect a skill (Father Anthony reminded us that if we wish to do well for an exam, we need to study hard). 

Suffering calls for us to persevere in the face of persecution and adversity, to overcome discouragement and despair, and continue to submit to it with self-deprecating levity. Sometimes, if we need to suffer an inordinate length of time in a chosen task or role, for we cannot dictate when or where our actions will result in something good, we must continue to wait and choose to behave with integrity without succumbing to questionable short cuts or practices. It would be unfortunate to fall into sin just because we wish to slough off the tiresome burden that suffering usually is. 

Regardless of how we treated and whatever life situations come our way, God’s grace is there for us to avail of so we can remain true and constant disciples of Jesus. When I feel as if I cannot deal with an ongoing issue anymore, or when I do not feel as loving and generous as I desire to be, I rely on His grace completely. It’s the only way I can fight my way off the slippery slope of hurt and unforgiving anger.

Thus faith is an important accompaniment to suffering both big and small. If I have an active faith, I can remain full of hope, even joyful amidst suffering. I can draw on the Lord’s strength to walk the stony narrow path, remaining a cheerful giver rather than becoming a sanctimonious, ill-humoured individual. I am able to deny self-seeking ways in order to be life-giving and loving. I can experience poverty of spirit, drawing closer to Jesus each step of the way.

Naturally we all seek to avoid suffering. However, if we keep running away and aspire only to take the more pleasant and wide path that more people tend to travel on, we will never develop substance and strength of character. We risk remaining shallow, immature and superficial individuals. We settle for a half life much like the rich, young man who could not let go of his attachments despite His love of God. 

As I choose to be a follower of Christ, I choose to follow in His footsteps. I can see the big picture clearly to eternal life, and I also have the ability to discern which paths to take, what choices I should make daily to get there. If I choose to love Jesus who is love personified, then I choose to love everyone without exception, to look at them with God’s eyes of love. 

I must especially choose to love those who hate me and persecute me. I cannot let their hateful actions diminish me or alter my loving actions. Whatever hurt I feel I can turn into something more worthwhile, allowing the Spirit to remodel my flawed personality, transforming my weaknesses into strengths. I can always do better. I must do better and I can, through Christ.

And so I pray, I pray constantly for the ability to withstand all forms of suffering such that over time I can see them as they truly are, blessings, blessings of fruitfulness in my life. I remember God’s covenant and in allowing His love to fill my heart to the brim, I can go forth and multiply His love, bearing good fruit.