suffering

Catholic belief about suffering can be described as ‘ambivalent’ which means that whilst suffering is hard to bear it is not always evil so they have mixed feelings

Catholics believe that suffering brings the closer to God and a way to bring about a greater good – just like Jesus suffered and died on the cross so that we can achieve salvation

Suffering as a sign of Love – If you love someone you would do anything for them even if it hurts you Jesus said “greater love has no one than this”- John

Suffering is a mystery – Story of Job - however evil can never become a good

Suffering is a sign of commitment – Jesus told the disciples that they may have to suffer to show their commitment “whoever wants to be my disciple must take up their cross and follow me” - Mark

Suffering may be a blessing – Jesus listed in the Beatitudes those who are blessed “blessed are the poor, the meek, those who mourn…”