HUMAN SUFFERING AS A PARTICIPATION IN THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST
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Date
2005
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The concept of Suffering is a painful experience to deal with. It evokes and
focuses on the hidden issues that we are not ready to bring out or look at. This is so
because the experience is most personal and existential. Yet, suffering is a reality,
fundamentally constitutive of our being. Consequently, I wish to examine suffering and
how our daily suffering is only a participation in that of Jesus Christ.
During the Easter Triduum, I am always and particularly fascinated by two days:
Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Here there is an attempt to reveal the mystery of the
sufferings of Jesus as a way to his victory into glory. In our daily life, we encounter
numerous sufferings, trials and temptations. The wonder is, can our sufferings take the
same form with those of Christ? If so, are we or not justified for victory and glory on the
last day? This is the concern of this study.
This essay is divided into four chapters. The first one contextualizes the topic of
concern: Suffering. There is the definition of the problem in relation to what influenced
me to venture into it. Then there is the framework in which I will explore my
experiences. Finally, I will indicate the main intention of analyzing this particular field.
Chapter two focuses on human suffering, with highlights on different forms. Chapter
three dwells on the suffering of Jesus alone. I have taken a brief survey of his whole life,
picking a few events depicting his suffering. The last chapter is on the teachings about
Christian suffering. In other words, the expected hope while we battle with different
kinds of suffering. The general conclusion emphasizes the fact that human suffering is
similar to that of Jesus.
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HUMAN SUFFERING AS A PARTICIPATION IN THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST