SUFFERING FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST

 Divine Appeal Reflection  - 98

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 98: "Keep going. Do not stop. I kept going on the road to Calvary and in spite of such agony, I got there.  Gaze on Me and find courage." 

Jesus' journey to Calvary exemplifies unparalleled love and unwavering obedience to God's will. Even though He endured betrayal, physical torment, and emotional suffering, He was able to continue because of the love for humanity as well as to complete the plan of the Father, which is redemption. This profound sacrifice is captured in Hebrews 12:2, which calls humanity to look at Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame. The Psalms reassure us of God's constant presence and guidance, particularly in times of trial and darkness, affirming that He is our shepherd who leads us beside quiet waters and restores our souls (Psalm 23:1-3).

Suffering should therefore be viewed as a redemptive process for Jesus in His journey to Calvary. His sacrificial death on the cross opened the door to eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). This act of redemption calls upon souls to join their own crosses with the Cross of Christ, knowing that in the midst of these afflictions, they are co-redeemers. Romans 8:17 reminds us that whoever suffers for the sake of Christ also suffers for the glory of Christ.

On our individual paths of sorrow and joy, success and failure, health and sickness ,let us remember the teachings and actions of Our Adorable Jesus. By looking at Him, we are enabled to fight our struggles and overcome our falls, thus living a redeemed life. The suffering and sacrifices that Sister Anna Ali made for the sake of saving souls is a modern-day example of the divine appeal message. Her faith was unshaken, and her union with the suffering Christ offers souls hope in the midst of suffering fully endured. Through Jesus' grace, we can press on, knowing that our ultimate destination is eternal union with Our Adorable Jesus (1 Peter 4:13).