Courageous in Weakness

We live in a world that fears suffering. The mindset seems to be avoidance at all costs. To suffer is to be weak. To be weak is to be worthless. To be worthless is to be nothing.

We have to stop lying to ourselves—and to each other. Yes, we are weak—incredibly weak—but God does not abandon us in our weakness. In response, God gives us the entirety of Himself; He completes whatever is lacking in us.

“..He said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

If the Almighty God chooses to receive each of us in our brokenness, should we not humble ourselves to receive a brother or sister who is suffering? Can we not choose to accept the flaws found in our very selves? I encourage you to be more receptive to those who suffer—in whatever form.

Where do you stand on the Way to Calvary? Do you thrust the Cross upon Jesus or make it impossible for Him to carry? Do you walk with Him, lightening the weight? Do you criticize Him for whatever He must have done to end up in His circumstance? Do you approach Him with a gesture of care and comfort? Do you weep with pity? Do you stare, speechless? Do you judge Him for not removing Himself from the situation? Do you embrace His Beaten Body? How do you respond?

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me … Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.”

Matthew 24: 40, 45

 

In whatever way you respond, do so with Love. Veronica wiped the face of Jesus, Simon bore some of the weight, but what are you called to do? You have a specific role, not in the suffering, but in the healing of others. Be present. Be you. Be receptive to how the Holy Spirit is calling you to Love in each moment. You may not even be aware that another is suffering, but maybe your Charity will encourage them to open up. I pray that it does. I pray that we all become more courageous in sharing what breaks us.

Suffering does not go away simply because you want it to. It cannot merely be ignored. Trust me; I have made many failed attempts in the area. Suffering must be endured. Jesus carried His Cross. He did not leave it on the ground; He did not hide it. He carried it, and He shared it. We are called to do the same.