If you have ever lost someone close to you, suffered through a disease or any illness, you more than likely asked the question, “Why is this happening?” “Why am I in such anguish?” “Why are bad things happening to me?” Throughout my career working with those who are not Catholic and those who are becoming Catholic, there is one issue that is a struggle to grasp. How can an all-powerful, all-loving God allow his creation to suffer? Can’t God take away our pain and suffering? 

Suffering is a profound and inevitable aspect of the human experience, also known as free will. It is a topic that has puzzled minds and stirred hearts for centuries. As we grapple with the complexities of pain and adversity, we often turn to our faith in God for solace and understanding. In moments of suffering, it is natural to question the presence of a benevolent and all-powerful God. We may wonder why a loving Creator would allow us to endure pain, loss, and hardship. These questions are not signs of weak faith but rather expressions of the depth of our humanity.

C.S. Lewis (and Peter Kreeft), a renowned Christian author and philosopher, offers some insights in his book "The Problem of Pain." In a world filled with suffering and challenges, Lewis grapples with the age-old question: If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow pain and suffering? One key point Lewis makes is that pain serves as a megaphone to rouse a deaf world. It is easy to become complacent in our faith in our moments of comfort and ease. However, when pain enters our lives, it acts as a powerful instrument to grab our attention and draw us closer to God. It becomes a wake-up call, prompting us to seek more profound meaning and understanding. Job, for example, experienced the loss of his family, wealth, and health. Yet, through it all, he clung to his faith, ultimately finding renewal and a deeper understanding of God's mysterious ways.

Lewis argues it's through the crucible of suffering that our true selves emerge. Like a skillful artist sculpting a masterpiece, God uses the chisel of pain to mold us into vessels of grace and compassion. While acknowledging the mystery of suffering, Lewis encourages us to trust in God's goodness. He reminds us that our understanding is limited, and God's ways are beyond our comprehension. The cross of Christ stands as a testament to the redemptive power of suffering. In the crucifixion, we see the ultimate example of God entering into the depths of human pain to bring about salvation.

God does not promise a life free from hardship but offers companionship and grace during our trials. Our faith is refined in the crucible of suffering, and our dependence on God deepens. As St. Paul wrote, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

We are invited to draw near to God through suffering, seeking comfort and strength in prayer. It is a time to reflect on the transient nature of worldly pain and the enduring nature of God's love. In our brokenness, we discover the transformative power of God's mercy and the hope of a future where tears will be wiped away and pain will be no more.

As we navigate the valleys of suffering, let us remember that God is present even in the darkest moments. Our faith is not a shield against tribulations but a lantern that guides us through them. May we find solace in the assurance that God, in His infinite wisdom, is working all things together for our good.

We must lift our hearts in prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength as we journey through the trials of life. May we find comfort in the knowledge that, in the tapestry of our existence, God weaves threads of purpose and redemption through our experiences of suffering. 

Andrew Burson is the Director of Parish Ministry and the Director of Liturgy at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville, Ohio.