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Courses Reconquest > Why must we suffer? > Module 2

Module presentation 2 - The Only Way to Holiness

It is time to delve further into the mystery of suffering. In this second part of the series, a continued reflection on the teachings of the Church, the lives of the Saints, and concrete examples will shed new light on this profound question.

The common mentality of the world holds that we are on earth primarily to enjoy life. Embracing this illusion, many flee from the crosses that God, in His wisdom and love, permits. They neglect His law and His love in pursuit of comfort, pleasure, and worldly success—only to reap the bitter fruits of distance from their Creator and Redeemer.

Others seek psychological techniques to cope with life’s difficulties. Yet, lacking a deeper understanding of life’s true purpose, they fail to attain the genuine peace that comes from loving the cross and cultivating friendship with Jesus and Mary.

There are also those who recognize God’s hand in their trials but, without proper formation, misunderstand the role of suffering. Their resignation lacks trust and love, and they may even perceive God as unjust or distant.

This module seeks to protect you from the illusions of a false vision of life and suffering. Only the light of faith can fully illuminate this mystery and enable us to carry our cross with generosity, following the example of Christ. To live by faith is to live with our eyes fixed on eternity—on eternal happiness, promised to those who learn how to suffer well.

Conteúdo

Module presentation

Module lessons

Bibliographic references

Comments

Module lessons 2

1. Thermometer of Sanctity

How can a soul’s progress along the path of holiness be measured? One’s attitude toward suffering is the true thermometer. Growth in love of sacrifice clearly indicates progress in virtue. The Christian stance in relation to the cross not only entails acceptance but also joyful appreciation. Practising this, you will reap the fruits of true peace and serenity — assets sought by all and found by few.  

2. Love of the Cross

According to the teachings of St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, a friend of the Cross is a soul chosen by God to be totally divine, an all-powerful monarch, a hero who triumphs over the world, the flesh and devil. For this reason, the friend of the Cross is truly another Christ, who can say with the Apostle: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).  

3. What is the worst Suffering?

Financial problems, health problems, conflicts with others, physical pains… These appear to be the worst sufferings when regarding life from a merely natural standpoint. In reality, the worst suffering comes from abandoning the cross in favour of a practically godless lifestyle. This brings us bitter consequences — now and in eternity. We must not trade our eternal happiness for any — or all! — of the goods of this passing world.  

4. Strength in Times of Distress

Amid life’s storms, no influence is more supportive and consoling than the activity of the Holy Spirit in our souls. For those who seek to carry their cross well, He is the “Reward exceedingly great” not only in Eternity but also in this life! To win this divine recompense, we must beseech the Blessed Virgin’s aid, shoulder our cross, and heed God’s voice in our conscience.  

5. By the Cross, we reach the Light

Our divine Saviour declared, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk 8:34). Thus, to be His true disciples and encounter the strength we need to fulfil our duty towards God, it is essential to take the Way of the Cross. The Cross of Christ is the hope of the hopeless, our guiding star on life’s journey, the relief of the sick and the glory of martyrs.    

Bibliographic References

ALPHONSUS MARIA DE LIGUORI, Saint. The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. Aeterna Press, 2015.

______. If You Wish to Follow Me. Seville: Apostolado Mariano, [n.d.]. Digital edition.

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, Saint. Confessions. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.

______. Expositions on the Psalms. New York: New City Press, 2003.

ARRONIZ, Prudencio López. The Intimate…! Madrid: Editorial El Perpetuo Socorro, 1962.

BORDONOVE, Georges. The Crusades and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Paris: Pygmalion, 2002.

BOULENGER, Auguste. Catholic Doctrine. Clovis, 2020.

BRENTANO, Clemens. The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich. Gastonia, NC: TAN Books, 2004.

BUTLER, Alban. The Lives of the Saints: Complete Edition. Totowa, NJ: Catholic Way Publishing, 2015.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 2nd ed. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2000.

CLÁ DIAS, João Scognamiglio, E.P. New Insights on the Gospels. Vatican City/Nobleton: LEV; Heralds of the Gospel, 2014.

CORRÊA DE OLIVEIRA, Plinio. Fleeing from Suffering. São Paulo, Nov. 24, 1983. Conference.

______. The Notion of Suffering Has Changed. São Paulo, Apr. 11, 1981. Conference.

______. The Peace of Suffering. São Paulo, Dec. 30, 1968. Conference.

______. Commentaries on the Letter to the Friends of the Cross. São Paulo, July 8, 1967. Speech.

______. St. Thomas and Suffering. São Paulo, May 16, 1964. Conference.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Feb. 19, 1965.

______. Conference. São Paulo, May 20, 1967.

______. Conference. São Paulo, June 30, 1967.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Jan. 21, 1970.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Oct. 30, 1974.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Aug. 14, 1988.

______. Conference. São Paulo, May 20, 1990.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Dec. 19, 1990.

______. Conference. São Paulo, Apr. 30, 1995.

CORTI, Mário. Living in Grace. São Paulo: Paulinas, 1957.

CRISTINI, Thiago Maria. Meditations and Readings for Every Day of the Year, Selected from the Spiritual Writings of St. Alphonsus. Queensland: Talbot Press, 1923.

FRANCIS DE SALES, Saint. Suffering. Paris: Palmé, 1876.

______. Treatise on the Love of God. Trans. Dom Henry Benedict Mackey, O.S.B. Gastonia, NC: TAN Books, 1998.

HUPPERTS, J. Maria. Foundations and Practice of Marian Life. Louvain: Secretariado María Mediadora, 1954.

IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Saint. The Epistles of St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch. New York: Paulist Press, 1944.

JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Saint. Homilies on the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. London: J. H. Parker, 1843.

______. Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew. Frankfurt: Outlook Verlag, 2024.

JOHN OF THE CROSS, Saint. Ascent of Mount Carmel. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2002.

LOUIS DE MONTFORT, Saint. A Letter to the Friends of the Cross. Totowa, NJ: Catholic Way Publishing, 2004.

NEW DICTIONARY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

SÁNCHEZ-ANGUIANO, Mariano. Yes! To Christ… Madrid: Editorial El Perpetuo Socorro, 1963.

SENECA. The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010.

TAHAN, Malba. Legends of Heaven and Earth. São Paulo: Borgoi, 1939.

THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX, Saint. The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Gastonia, NC: TAN Books, 2010.

THOMAS À KEMPIS. The Imitation of Christ. New York: Cosimo, 2007.

VARAGINE, Jacobus de. The Golden Legend: Lives of the Saints. London: Penguin Classics, 1998.

See also

Spirituality

A Spiritual Retreat
Mariology

The Universal Mediation of Mary
Spirituality

The Secret to Dying Well
History

Understanding Old Testament History
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