Suffering for what is right

Homily of the Saturday of the 2nd week in Advent Year C.
Memoria of St. John of the Cross
Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Matthew 17:10-13,

To suffer means to endure hardship, feel pain, or live with a disease or difficult condition. Reflecting on this, I realise that in my daily activities, I often experience one form of suffering or another. Perhaps it’s not an exaggeration to say that suffering is unavoidable in this world, it is an existential reality. At best, I can only try to minimise it.

Given this understanding, the questions I must now ask myself are: Why do I endure suffering? How did this suffering come to me? Is it the result of pursuing something good, the consequence of a wrongdoing, or even something beyond my control, like a natural disaster?

Today, the Church celebrates St. John of the Cross, a friar who endured great suffering in his mission to reform the Carmelite order. Despite facing immense opposition, from the Church authorities who should have supported him, he succeeded in his efforts. Though his life was marked by suffering, his legacy has endured. Today, the universal Church honours him as an integral part of the Carmelite order’s history—a testament to his perseverance and commitment to doing what was right.

Similarly, today’s readings highlight other heroic figures who suffered for the sake of righteousness. Elijah faced death threats for defeating the 450 false prophets of Baal. John the Baptist was beheaded for speaking the truth to Herod and Herodias. And the Lord Jesus Christ himself was crucified for preaching love, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and raising the dead. These examples remind us of the transformative power of enduring suffering for a noble cause.

Dear friends, suffering is an inevitable part of our existence. When we face it, let us remember those who came before us. Let us draw strength from their examples and pray for grace to endure with purpose. Though we may not immediately see the fruits of our suffering, our perseverance can inspire and uplift others. One day, like St. John of the Cross, our sacrifices may be appreciated both on earth and in heaven.

May God bless all those who suffer for the cause of righteousness, through Christ our Lord. Amen.