PALM SUNDAY

Finding Delight in Suffering

Today’s readings focus on suffering and pain. The first reading from Isaiah talks about using the gifts that God has given to spread the love of God. But Isaiah warns us that spreading such love also leaves us open to being mocked, rejected and hurt: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting” (Is 50:4-7). The responsorial psalm, in turn, foreshadows Jesus’ suffering on the cross and all those around Him who do not believe, who mock, who inflict wounds. The second reading talks about Jesus, who is truly God, coming in the most humbling way, as a human and suffering: “he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:6-11). Finally, in the Gospel, we read all about Christ’s passion, suffering and death (Mk 14:1—15:47). 

In these scriptures, we see acceptance and openness to God’s call to suffering. If we reflect on our own lives, we can see ourselves in these moments of suffering. Some of us have been mocked for our faith, beliefs, work or likes. Some of us have experienced loss, pain, heartache or physical struggles. All of us have suffered in one way or another. We know suffering because we know our Lord. Christ willingly experienced the ultimate suffering and sacrifice for the love of every one of us. 

Suffering is hard and no one wants to suffer. Yet we are called as Christians to bear our cross and follow Him. So we must rely on the second part of each of these scriptures, where we see that God is with us through our suffering. He does not abandon us but walks with us. “But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me” (Ps 22:19); and “The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced” (Is 50:6). 

God wants us to turn to Him in all our moments, good and hard. He does not promise us happiness; but He does promise us His presence, grace, love and healing in all of our lives. May we always turn to Him and find Him in our most difficult moments. May we delight in His presence even through our suffering. 

–Charlene Sippel, inspired by conversations with St. Matthew’s Youth Group

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.