Growing in Suffering

Grab

When was the last time you got in trouble? Explain briefly what happened and how were you able to get out of the situation?  

Grace

In the work of evangelization and mission, we, as holy warriors, are called to be holy. One of the characteristics of a holy warrior is long-suffering. The text below is an excerpt from Frank Padila’s book, “Holy Warriors, A Call to War” which can be found on pages 63-64. 

A holy warrior is long-suffering.

As holy warriors, we engage in a brutal war, as evangelizers and missionaries. We witness to Jesus. To be a witness is to be a martyr. The word “martyr” comes from the Greek word “mártys” which means “witness.” To be a committed witness is also to court martyrdom. To suffer for the cause of Christ is to grow in holiness. 

Such was the fate, or destiny, of Stephen, the first martyr. He testified to Jesus. He spoke boldly about the hard-heartedness of God’s people. They stoned him to death (Acts 7:58a). 

What then is a holy warrior to do? Cower? Back down? Slink away? No. That is precisely the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. Jesus says “you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans” (Mt 10:18). 

How do holy warriors endure and persevere? We look to Psalm 31. 

First, trust in God and in His saving help. “In you, Lord, I take refuge; …incline your ear to me; make haste to rescue me! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me.” (Ps 31: 2a, 3). A holy warrior knows the warrior-God that he serves. “For you are my rock and my fortress” (Ps 31:4a). A holy warrior knows that his battle is the Lord’s battle. 

Second, however God acts, we rejoice, knowing that our merciful God has our backs and He works for our good. Because we trust our God, we leave our fate in His hands, if He delivers us, great. If He allows us to continue to suffer, and even to suffer death, great too, since He has a better plan. Just know that He is there for us and the ultimate salvation is when we make it to heaven. 

We look to Jesus who himself was long-suffering. We put our entire hope in him, and this enables us to remain strong and never lose heart, in whatever circumstances we face. “Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:25). 

Gather

1. What kind of martyrdom or suffering am I experiencing in my life right now? (Either in service or in family life)

2. What virtue has developed in me as a fruit of this suffering?

Go Forth

Offer a rosary for the sufferings you are enduring in your life right now. Invite your whole family to pray with you. Ask for great graces that you may be transformed into the holy warrior God needs you to be for the great work of evangelization and mission. 

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: bit.ly/mfctithes