Here is part of what Pope Francis spoke on the Via Crucis:
I do not wish to add too many words. One word should suffice this evening, that is the Cross itself. The Cross is the word through which God has responded to evil in the world. Sometimes it may seem as though God does not react to evil, as if he is silent. And yet, God has spoken, he has replied, and his answer is the Cross of Christ: a word which is love, mercy, forgiveness. It also reveals a judgment, namely that God, in judging us, loves us. If I embrace his love then I am saved, if I refuse it, then I am condemned, not by him, but my own self, because God never condemns, he only loves and saves.
Doesn’t it seem like sometimes God doesn’t react to evil? The way we think He should? As I was thinking about Pope Francis’ words I could see how they could be applicable in our own lives. Much of the time we want to be the driver because we believe that we know what’s best for ourselves. But a good deal of the time we just need to sit back, be a passenger, and let God be the driver. We need to follow God’s will, not ours. We need to let God take care of a troubled relationship, someone who is sick, an individual who is fighting addiction, a person who has withdrawn from the Faith, or when dealing with an unexpected bump in the road in our own lives. Jesus died on the Cross to save all of humanity. Sometimes our reactions can do more harm than good. I believe sometimes we are called to be silent, pray, and trust that God will change a person’s heart and take care of the situation in His good time.
With my being childless and having a hysterectomy due to my health issues I could be angry at God, but I’m not. Maybe something bad would have happened during my pregnancy if I had become pregnant? While it may have been my will to have been able to have kids it wasn’t God’s will. I am called to trust that God’s will is better for me. Maybe God has called me to a different path? Something that I may not have been able to do if I had kids right now? So even though you may be going through a trial in your life right now or dealing with something unexpected maybe God is preparing a better way for you? Maybe He is leading you in a different direction for a very special purpose?
Teresa,
You have walked the path of Calvary this year and have stood at the foot of the Cross, with Our Lady and St. John. You and your husband have suffered with Christ so that you may be, in a special way, transformed by Him and His love for you.
Your pain is great and your suffering is greater.
We do not have the answer to the questions of why this kind of pain comes into individual lives, however, the life of Our Lord and HIs Mother provide us with the truth that this pain and suffering can only be tolerated if we remain close to them.
For our suffering is theirs, and theirs is ours – it is our common lot as being members of their human family. Why this had to happen is a mystery. Why Christ had to undergo such sadistic and prolonged suffering through the Passion and on the Cross is a mystery.
Anger is natural, but, it must be transformed by linking it to the love of Jesus and Mary. To want to fill the void that you feel is natural, but, for now – try to rest your mind and body.
If possible think about making, in the next few years, a future pilgrimage to a religious site that has always fascinated you, such as Rome or Assisi, and to request through that pilgrimage, support and guidance from God. Yes, you are right, embrace God’s love and mercy, but also, embrace and rejoice in the love and support of your husband for the beautiful person that you are and will continue to be.
May the love and peace of Jesus Christ bless and keep both of you close to His Sacred Heart.
That was a beautiful and very thoughtful comment Deacon Paul. Resting the mind and body is a good suggestion. The idea of making a future pilgrimage to a religious site is very insightful and fantastic. Due to finances I may have to make a pilgrimage that is closer than Italy. One place I would like to return to is the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. Thanks so much for comment.
“God doesn’t react to evil the way we think He should.” I thought about that and then looked at the picture of the Cross. I got to thinking, “God has already reacted to evil and He hung on the Cross.” You know sometimes Teresa I think God could be saying to us, “What more can I do for you?” I gave you My Son, who died for you?” When I think about that, God has done all He can for us.
All trials come with a “purpose” not a “punishment.” It easy to fall in the “blaming God” mode, as it does feel like at times we are being “punished.” That “Punishment” hung on the Cross, and when we look at that, how can we dare question the “motives” of God? His only “motive” is to love us.
I think our biggest fault in life is, not having the “patience” to wait and see what the “purpose” is. You know Abraham did the same thing when He did not wait on God to send him, Isaac. Now we have the whole Muslim nation because of it. God had a “purpose” for Isaac. His Son was coming from that line.
Good thought provoking post and thanks for sharing. God Bless, SR
‘I got to thinking, “God has already reacted to evil and He hung on the Cross.” You know sometimes Teresa I think God could be saying to us, “What more can I do for you?” I gave you My Son, who died for you?” When I think about that, God has done all He can for us.’
Very astute thinking SR!! God sure has done a lot for us. He died for us to conquer evil and save all of humanity. What more could we ask for? While I think that God shouldn’t have to do anything more to get people to believe in Him there are people who are “doubting Thomases”, who need to see and touch to believe. There is certainly nothing more God could need to do to combat evil. But while Jesus conquered evil humans still have free will and Satan influences that free will. So God has people and angels to combat the evil in the world.
I can fully relate to feeling like I’m being punished. I’ve felt like that at times. But I also feel like I’ve gotten a slap in the face after following the rules, or Catholic sexual moral teachings. At least in some ways, and sometimes. I totally agree with what you said about being impatient with waiting and seeing what God’s purpose is for us. Waiting can be so tough and we like to be instantly gratified when we can.
Yes, indeed God is love. God loves us so much He sent His only Son to save all of humanity. We must always remember this. Thanks so much for your comment SR. Love you and God Bless.
“I am called to trust that God’s will is better for me. Maybe God has called me to a different path?” How true and yet how hard it is to really trust, but the only true peace comes from letting go and letting God. Thanks, Teresa.
Yes at times it is really hard to trust God @8kids. When we give our worries over to God we’ll be less anxious and way more at peace than if we don’t. Thank you very much for your comment @8kids. God Bless.