The Meaning of Suffering
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Find Consolation and Hope
Is someone you love suffering? Are you suffering? Do you know what to say to a loved with cancer or addiction? Or how to handle your own pain, whether physical or emotional?
We all suffer—it’s part of being human. But do you know how to bring hope and consolation to your loved ones? Or how to turn your own suffering into opportunities to grow in holiness?
The Meaning of Suffering, provides crucial answers to these questions and spiritual support in times of suffering. You’ll also learn why we suffer in the first place. And why a loving and merciful God allows us to suffer. Christ holds the answers…
Look to Jesus
Suffering is universal. Everyone experiences pain, illness, grief, loss. In those moments, it can be difficult to turn our eyes toward Jesus, or to find the right words or actions to console a loved one. But God gives us a great gift: His own loving example. Jesus suffered for us on the cross, offering an eternal sacrifice for our sins, and He invites us to unite our suffering with His.
Turn Suffering into Holiness
Easier said than done.
That’s why, in the Meaning of Suffering presented by Good Catholic, we’ll unlock the teachings of the Church, the examples of the saints, and the life of Christ to help you not only make sense out of suffering, but use it to grow closer to Our Lord.
In this series you will:
- See how suffering only makes sense in light of Christ’s suffering…and why that should bring us great joy and consolation (Day 2)
- Discover why Jesus’ death on the cross freed us from sin but not from suffering (Day 6)
- Learn how to handle physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, and help you or your loved ones prayerfully process grief and loss (Days 8-11)
- Turn to the great mercy of God, who brings grace and good even out of our most difficult trials (Day 15)
- Find hope and consolation—even salvation—in suffering (Day 17)
- Learn practical tips about how to suffer well through the example of the saints
Suffering happens to all of us—but suffering is not meaningless. Discover how it is an opportunity to unite yourself to Christ.
BONUS: Subscription now includes the daily content PDF FREE! Plus a free download of St. John Vianney’s Catechism of Suffering. Both available upon series start.
Series Contributors
Father Benjamin Roberts
Fr. Benjamin Roberts is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte. He was ordained in 2009 and has been pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Monroe, North Carolina, since 2012. Father Roberts holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY; masters’ degrees in systematic theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia; and a doctorate in homiletics from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. Father Roberts has also led retreats for Cursillo and for permanent deacons. In addition to his pastoral duties, he teaches preaching for deacon candidates in the Diocese of Charlotte and other dioceses.
Peter Gohn
Peter Gohn, a proud Irish Catholic and Massachusetts native, studied History and Theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He then spent several years teaching at Christ the King Catholic High School near Charlotte, North Carolina, while also working as a freelance editor. He joined The Catholic Company in 2017 and became a key member of the Good Catholic project soon after it was launched. When not writing, Peter is likely to be found re-reading his many books, playing his piano, or watching Boston sports. His deep love of ancient and medieval history lends itself to unpacking the many rich traditions of our Catholic faith. He and his wife currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Genevieve Netherton
Genevieve Netherton, a native of Pennsylvania, was raised in a large Catholic family of nine children. She studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and received spiritual formation from the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration in Hanceville, Alabama. She is an editor, writer, and marketer for Good Catholic; a content writer for The Catholic Company; a blog contributor for Catholic Company Magazine; and a freelance manuscript editor for fiction, non-fiction, and collections of poetry. Her writing has been published by DKA Magazine, Humane Pursuits, and the acclaimed Catholic quarterly Dappled Things. She currently lives in California with her career-Navy husband.
Whitney Hetzel
Whitney Hetzel and her husband, James, have been married for thirty-three years. They have nine children ranging in age from twelve to thirty-two. Whitney, who has been homeschooling for twenty-seven years, is an exercise enthusiast who enjoys blogging about health and fitness over at 9 Kid Fitness. But her real passion is discussing faith, family, and the challenges of putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis, all of which she writes about at Catholic Company Magazine and the Good Catholic blog. Whitney has a B.A. in English and Journalism from Indiana University and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Saint Louis University.
35 Reviews
I also really appreciate Fr Roberts teaching on suffering. It gives me a sense of peace.
Day 6 of suffering series…packed with powerful stuff today. I especially liked the explanation of the 13th station. Wow.
Loving the series! As I read and listen to the daily reflections, I truly love praying the Rosary at the end. My suffering in this life has been huge. But through every single bit of it, my faith has only grown. The Blessed Mother is with me, at times holding me. At other times, she cries with me. This series is just what this broken heart needed!
Father Roberts’ videos are so beautiful. His words bring me to tears.
As I listen to Fr. Roberts, I love to hear the gentleness and compassion in his voice. He talks about Jesus’ passion and death as if he himself had actually been there. What a gift that he was chosen to be our guide on this journey.
Just wanted to say I think you guys have hit another one out of the park with the Meaning of Suffering series. Thanks for all your work and God bless you always.
Day 3 very powerful message. Will never look at the celebration of Christmas in the same way. A great lesson for our children to learn especially teenagers. Thank you Father Roberts
Such a powerful reflection by Father Roberts today…
This was a beautiful series. Father Roberts presentations were thought provoking snd and heartfelt. What a blessing he is to many!
Father Roberts, thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration. Many days your message brought tears to my eyes…good tears. You gave me a whole new understanding of the meaning of suffering.
Loved this series so much and am so sad it’s over, but I will be redoing it again and again. I will be especially watching the videos. Thank you Good Catholic for another amazing series, and thank you Fr. Roberts, your videos were beautiful and inspiring
didn’t know what to expect from the series on the “Meaning of Suffering”, but I have learned so much from Fr Roberts who is so humble and inspirational. This series has enriched my Catholic faith in many ways.