For the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time…
For God formed man to be imperishable; …
But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world,
and they who belong to his company experience it.
Wisdom 2:23-24
In recent months, beginning with an injured elbow and culminating with a broken arm, my middle-aged body has reminded me that I am dust and to dust I shall return. I am mortal, a result of our fallen and sinful human nature. Jesus, however, came into the world to defeat the power of sin and death. Through him, we have been rescued from the devil and given the promise of eternal life with the Father and Holy Spirit in heaven.
In this world, we may experience aching backs and broken bones, but this is not our destiny. We are beloved children of God. This adoption in Christ transforms our pain and suffering because Jesus shared in it for our sake.
Take some time today to reflect on your suffering, and offer it alongside Jesus’ suffering on the Cross for the good of the world.
Jonathan F. Sullivan
