St. Paul said, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” I think most people don’t put the word “rejoice” and the word “suffering” in the same sentence. We ordinarily think of suffering as something to be avoided, to overcome; not something to rejoice in. But think for a moment about parents. They go through suffering — deny themselves things they they would like — in order to ensure that their children will have the opportunity to live full and happy lives. They do this not begrudgingly, but gladly because of the love they have for their children. That helps us understand what St. Paul is talking about. When suffering has a purpose, leads to some good end, you can put up with it happily.
