Trial by Fire

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

As is so often the case in the writings of the sacred writers of the Christian Scriptures, we once again find the notions of suffering and joy juxtaposed with each other. Rejoicing in the midst of suffering is not something that happens naturally or easily. Some refer to this notion as "deferred gratification"; namely, that we put off until later the rewards for our current efforts.

However, there is something else at work here. The first disciples gradually became aware that Jesus was glorified by God because of what he suffered. So when they found themselves facing the same prospect, they were able to rejoice because they realized that they had chosen the right path. Throughout his life, Jesus had asked those who became his followers to walk in his footsteps. As the disciples were faced with persecution, they began to see that theirs was a fortunate lot. They reasoned, and the Church believes that they were correct in their reasoning, that if they were asked to undergo the same suffering as Jesus, they would also experience the same glory.

This kind of thinking is foundational to CUSA. It is our rationale, our reason for being who we are. We are called to holiness like everyone else. However, our specific vocation is to walk the path of chronic illness and/or disability and to find therein the glory promised to all who follow Jesus.