Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - January 24, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
In regard to pain and suffering we are likely to be Monday morning quarterbacks. We see or claim to see after the fact some value and education in suffering. And in retrospect that may be the case, but just a word here opposing the suggestion that suffering is such a great thing for any one of us. Even such relatively minor pain as that of a head cold makes me preoccupied with poor me, my misery. Knock me down with something like heart trouble or cancer and I find it pretty hard to be worried about how you're doing with your bad biopsy or news about downsizing from your employer.
After the fact and in the comfort of regained health and ease we may learn to sympathize more with others who are suffering and be patient with their pains. That is certainly a wonderful gain to be hoped for from our own pains. But while we're groaning with that back pain or having difficulty breathing, we're unlikely to experience any very lofty thoughts or sentiments about anyone or anything.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
