I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death (Phil 3:10)

We can view pain and suffering as something to be avoided – a view commonly held in our society. Alternately, our pain and suffering can serve a redemptive purpose. We may emerge from a difficult period with a clearer sense of who we are, a clearer sense of what matters in life. We can fill our lives with things and/or achievements when what most matters is our love and how it can give life.

A young person will be well nurtured in an environment where they are loved into life – by their family, by their friends, by their school. Thus they will have a living example of Jesus’ self-emptying, self-sacrificing love to follow. Such an example of love is vital as they grapple with life’s difficulties. In so doing it may help them to grasp self-sacrificing love’s redemptive potential – when ‘the wound becomes the fountain’, to quote one of my lecturers.

Have a great week!
Patrick