Finding Joy in Suffering with God’s Presence – Apr 09 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 09, 2025, on how accepting suffering, that is permitted by God, frees us and unites us with Christ, who never leaves us alone.

Father delivers a profound homily on suffering, miracles, and God’s presence, rooted in scripture and Catholic teaching. He begins with 'Daniel 3: 16-28' of today's readings, where three young men survive a furnace, their ropes burned away, joined by a fourth figure—a prefiguration of Christ. This miracle teaches that God masters nature’s laws, even when He permits suffering (CCC 309). Father explains suffering often hurts, as seen in human cruelty, but it frees us from bondage—echoing 'Romans 8: 18', where present sufferings pale beside future glory. He contrasts this with Christ’s Passion ('John 19: 17-18'), where Jesus enters our pain, ensuring we never suffer alone (CCC 618).

Father shares a woman’s story: crippled by illness, she saw Our Lady, who told her you will suffer all your life, but I’ll be with you. This reflects 'Matthew 28: 20'—Christ’s promise to be with us always—and this gave her joy amid pain. He argues this endurance surpasses healing miracles, aligning with 'James 1: 2-4', where trials produce steadfastness. Father ties this to redemption (CCC 1502), noting suffering unites us to Christ’s cross. Concluding, he praises Jesus and Mary, urging us to embrace suffering with fortitude, knowing God saves us through it ('1 Peter 4: 13').

For Further Reading
Daniel 3: 16-28 - NAB - Three youths survive fiery furnace. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3?16
Romans 8: 18 - NAB - Suffering leads to glory. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?18
John 19: 17-18 - NAB - Jesus crucified for us. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?17
Matthew 28: 20 - NAB - Christ always with us. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28?20
James 1: 2-4 - NAB - Trials produce steadfastness. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?2
1 Peter 4: 13 - NAB - Rejoice in Christ’s sufferings. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/4?13
Catechism of the Catholic Church #309 - God permits evil for good. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c1p4.htm#309
Catechism of the Catholic Church #618 - Participation in Christ’s sacrifice. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/618.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1502 - Suffering’s redemptive power. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a5.htm#1502

00:00 – Introduction and Praise
00:11 – Laws of Nature
00:45 – Miracles in Daniel
01:31 – Furnace and Faith
02:50 – Suffering’s Purpose
03:33 – Christ With Us
04:05 – A Woman’s Story
05:06 – Greater Miracle Joy

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 5th Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040925.cfm
1st: dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Resp: dan 3:52-56
Gsp: joh 8:31-42

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1680

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