Redemptive Suffering (dictionary definition): human suffering, when accepted and offered up in union with the Passion of Jesus, can remit the just punishment for one's sins or for the sins of another, or for the other physical or spiritual needs of oneself or another
we offer our own suffering to save ourselves and others for eternal life, just as Jesus did on the cross
why the cross?
Simple answer that connects us back to Adam:
Humans have free will. Consequently we choose those things that lead to our brokenness (ie suffering)
Christ’s suffering connects him to us—entered the true human experience and consequently we see his suffering
Jesus’ suffering was redemptive
Our suffering can be as well—this is the Paschal Mystery in action—Jesus’ suffering led to the Resurrection and ours can as well
Adam introduces sin and suffering into the world and Jesus enters the human condition to allow an avenue for people to be forgiven and experience eternal peace
Redemptive Suffering: Suffering that brings us closer to the goodness that God intended for us at creation