John Paul II and the Meaning of Suffering: Lessons from a Spiritual Master

Why does a loving God allow us to suffer? Did we do something to deserve our suffering? Does our pain serve any purpose in God's plan? Suffering doesn't work like we think it should, striking down the wicked and sparing the righteous. And none of us, regardless of our age, I.Q., religion, or wealth, can avoid its sting. Now, for the first time, the spiritual wisdom of the modern's world's most beloved Pope?and the rich theology of suffering articulated in his apostolic letter, Salvifici Doloris?is applied to the most pressing challenge of faith?the problem of suffering. The world witnessed the dignity and grace that characterized his exterior dealings with pain, now let the Holy Father's words teach you about the interior aspects of suffering: how it can be your own vocation within God's plan of salvation.… (more)