Monday, XXIII Week of Ordinary Time
(Colossians 1-2)
The first reading contains Paul’s mystical pronouncement that he makes up in his own sufferings what is lacking in Christ’s. Some, finding scandalous the idea that anything might be missing in Christ’s passion, may call for a retranslation. Wiser minds, however, assume that Paul does not mean that there is anything deficient about Christ’s suffering and death. It is only that Christians as part of his body have the opportunity to suffer patiently with him for the benefit of others.
Suffering is multi-dimensional. Physical pain hurts, but it is not necessarily the worse of sufferings. Mental pain – guilt, abandonment, worry – can be more trying. On the cross in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark Jesus suffers both kinds to the limit. The scourging and the nailing were no doubt excruciating, but these inflictions seem to be eclipsed in the picture which these two gospels paint of complete desertion. Everyone taunts Jesus. One commentator says even the offer of wine is meant only to prolong his agony. No friend is at hand to offer support. Jesus even feels the absence of his Father as he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
None of us escapes the troubles and turmoil of life perhaps aggravated by loneliness and depression. It has always been Catholic to say, “I will offer it up.” The words are not sanctimonious if we keep in mind Jesus on the cross or Paul in prison praying for the communities he evangelized. Accepted patiently and prayerfully, our suffering also may contribute to the salvation of the world.
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