HUMAN SUFFERING AS A PARTICIPATION IN THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST

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.