It Was Done For Love of Us

The Passion and Crucifixion of Christ are by far portions of the most horrendous acts we, as humans, have ever had to acknowledge. And acknowledge them we must, for they were the singularly most loving acts ever performed for mankind. As Catholics, we recall it, reflect on it, and, if we can, connect ourselves to it. It is through this intentional association that we can draw closer to Jesus and share in His suffering. This is a redemptive deed, benefitting not only the believer, but the souls of many.

Many Christians believe “once saved, always saved”. However, this is contrary to Catholic Teaching. According to the Unites States Catholic Catechism for Adults, sin is “an abuse of the freedom God gives to created persons,” (CCC, no. 387). In John 14:15, Christ tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. The Commandments are the ‘rules’ by which we should live in order to obtain eternity with our Father. But, in our sinful nature, a result of Original Sin, we break the ‘rules’ in so many ways causing us to turn away from God. That turning away removes us from the state of grace, the element needed in order to achieve the promise of Heaven. If, through sin, we are not in a state of grace when we die, we can hope for Purgatory where purification takes place (CCC, no.1031). The souls in purgatory can benefit from the redemptive suffering of those living in connection with Christ’s own agony. That’s why scripture in James 1:2 says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials…” In the suffering we accept and endure during our lives in this world, we are already being purified. And, when we offer it up for others, living or deceased, they can share in our atonement. It is the closest we can come to ‘laying down our lives for another’ without actually dying.

This is the design of the Creator, whose thoughts and ways are so much higher than we can fathom. It is not that I believe God intends for us to suffer. But, if He allows it in our lives, be it physical, emotional or spiritual, He is glorified when we willingly accept it. Our choice is to either endure it, or rail against it. Only one of those options brings us closer to the Lord and eternity in Heaven. In our God given freedom to choose, let us choose perseverance, not only for the love and glorification of our Heavenly Father, who, through the Son suffered and died for us, but for our fellow man.