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The paradox of Christian suffering stands at the heart of our Lenten journey. Through Christ's prediction of His Passion, we confront a profound spiritual reality: suffering, while an evil in itself, becomes transformative when embraced for the right purpose.

Our natural instinct rebels against pain. Modern society encourages us to eliminate all discomfort, creating what we might call an "effeminate" mindset—not feminine, but comfort-seeking and pain-avoiding. Yet Christ's invitation remains unchanged: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This call often confounds us as much as it did the apostles who abandoned Jesus despite His clear warnings.

Navigating between extremes helps us understand suffering's true purpose. On one hand, prosperity gospel teachings suggest Christians shouldn't suffer because Christ suffered for them—missing our participation in redemption. On the other, Catholics can sometimes appear to value suffering for its own sake, which misses the point entirely. As Father Troadec reminds us, suffering "does not deserve to be loved for its own sake" but only as a means to "the redemption and sanctification of souls." This transforms our trials from meaningless pain into spiritual currency, for "souls are not given away. They are bought at the price of suffering."

Perhaps most practically, today's meditation challenges us to stop complaining—especially about trivial matters like weather—while fellow Christians worldwide face genuine persecution. Our complaints reveal our rejection of the Cross rather than its embrace. By accepting small sufferings without grumbling, we train ourselves for weightier crosses ahead and participate in Christ's redemptive work. What suffering might you offer up today for the salvation of souls?

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