Why must we suffer?

Why must we suffer so much?

What is the purpose?

Why do some seem to suffer more than others?

Saint John of the Cross has such great insight into this process.

He uses an analogy of a log and fire to make his point.

As you read the following:

Think of your soul as the log,

and the fire as the beauty of God

that is contrasted in all the trials, temptations, and struggles that God has allowed in your life.

"For the sake of further clarity in this matter, we ought to note that this purgative and loving knowledge, or divine light we are speaking of has the same effect on a soul that fire has on a log of wood.

The soul is purged and prepared for union with the divine light just as wood is prepared for transformation into the fire.

Fire, when applied to wood, first dehumidifies it, dispelling all moisture and making it give off any water it contains. Then it gradually turns the wood black, makes it dark and ugly, and even causes it to emit a bad odor. By drying out the wood, the fire brings to light and expels all those ugly and dark accidents that are contrary to fire.

Finally, by heating and enkindling it from without, the fire transforms the wood into itself and makes it as beautiful as it is itself."

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So why do we experience such pain and suffering, It is to expose ourselves to our own inadequacies, contrasted by the pure love of God, purifying us to prepare for eternity in heaven and holiness.

The process through the purgation is painful and even brings to light our own darkness, however, once completed and overcome, we are left to dwell in the most brilliant of light and love, Our Lord and God.

Looking back, the pain that was once perceived to be so great and never ending, will appear to be such a minor discomfort when compared to the everlasting joy of living in and experiencing the beatific vision of the Trinity.

This is our hope, our faith, and the fulfillment of all our desires.