Second Sunday after Easter AD 2024

Suffering is inherently averse to us, especially when we have to suffer unjustly. Sometimes, of course, we just think that our suffering is unjust, when in fact we ourselves are to blame for it. And sometimes it can happen that not accepting suffering makes us suffer even more – not only when we angrily kick a stone after stubbing our toe on it, thus hurting ourselves even more, but even more so when physical torments become spiritual ones and mental.

It is only natural that we try to avoid suffering. It is just as natural that when faced with trials, we do everything possible to overcome them – especially when these trials do not befall us, but our loved ones. But at the same time, we must not fail to notice the opportunities presented to us in the form of suffering – or at least a reminder that maybe something needs to be changed in our lives, maybe we need to seriously think about something.

The Church Fathers and Saints teach us that trials should be accepted with joy, thanking God that He has given us such an easy opportunity to suffer with Christ. If we have to suffer unjustly, that is, if someone wrongs us, we can be happy and thank God that He has kept us from doing evil and ask Him for strength not to respond to evil with evil, but with love. Thus, even unjust suffering benefits us, helping us to become nobler and more like Christ.

But if we have done something bad and must suffer because of it, we can thank God that He has shown us our sin and given us the opportunity to repent and repent. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Saint Paul says in today's Epistle: “This is thankful, if a man for conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.”