Why would I want to suffer?
Great question!
The answer is – “You shouldn’t!” Unless you understand the “why?”
Below I attempt to explain the intent, desire, and purpose behind this week’s grace from the pen of St. Ignatius:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
Sitting in the uncomfortable posture of Jesus’ suffering is not life-giving; it is difficult to contemplate the period of time leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus suffered in his humanity. He prayed to His Father to “take this cup from me”, “being in anguish”, with “his sweat like drops of blood”, and then expressing disappointment with His disciples when they fell asleep (Luke 22:39-46).
We lean towards the last week of Christ: Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, and finally Easter – because suffering is uncomfortable!.
3 problems when you skip through Holy Week and rush to Easter.
- Ignores Christ’s Humanity
It is a serious oversight when we see a film, read a passage, or are entertained by a dramatic portrayal of the suffering Christ because nothing can capture the true indignity, pain, and turmoil Christ experienced. This is one reason Lent is so valuable. It causes us to slow things down. Read scripture. Reflect. Pray. Imagine what it was like for Him over a prolonged period of time. Not a brief, momentary exposure of another’s interpretation.
- Overfocuses on Christ’s Divinity
Culturally it is comfortable to celebrate; it is uncomfortable to suffer. It is natural to gravitate to Easter. It is easier to follow the narrative leading to the resurrection; difficult to sit in the uncomfortable space of seeing Jesus tormented, tortured,and abused. But that is precisely the part of the gospel story that needs equal attention. The more we engage with His suffering, the more human Jesus becomes.
- Undervalues the Sacrifice Christ Made on Behalf of All Creation
When we grasp that Jesus was and is fully human, then we can appreciate His divinity differently. I read this line from a book recently entitled Gentle and Lowly by Dane Orland that caused me to stop and think:
“The Son of God clothed himself with humanity and will never unclothe himself”.
Jesus did not unclothe Himself after the resurrection. Orland further says:
“One implication of this truth of Christ’s permanent humanity is that when we see the feeling and passions and affections of the incarnate Christ toward sinners and sufferers as given to us in the four Gospels, we are seeing who Jesus is for us today.”
Jesus has not put His humanity aside, nor has He put His divinity aside; He knows your suffering, intimately.
7 Reasons to Engage in the Suffering of Jesus
It will expand your ability to understand Jesus’ divinity.
It will grow your capacity to empathize with people.
It will help you navigate the sense of feeling overwhelmed.
It will create greater openness to reach out for help.
It will allow you to see different sides of a problem you face.
It will allow you to see different sides of a problem other people face.
Lent Challenge – Week 3 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – Matthew 27:32-44
- Day 2 – Luke 23:33-44
- Day 3 – Philippians 2:5-8
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – Luke 23:38-43
- Day 6 – John 19:25-27
- Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
10 Ways to Walk Through Lent
It’s not too late to take up a spiritual practice for Lent! Winfield Bevins has several ideas for how to make room in your life to grow closer to God in his article, including:
- Reflect on the Cross
- Pray Daily
- Read the Bible
- Give Up Something
- Start a Good Habit
- Give Your Time
- Keep a Journal
- Make Time for Your Family
- Give Your Money
- Forgive Others
The invitation the Lord presents is to simply carve out time for Him. That is really the essence of spiritual formation- being intentional. It is up to you to take the next step.
Photo by Nigel Cohen on Unsplash
