Suffering: A Stepping-stone to God

Remember, God is found in suffering. (Lett., 1464, p. 321)

For St. Vincent, all forms of suffering, including the various human miseries one faces in his life, are stepping-stones to God. He constantly reminds his followers that God is found in suffering. No one should discard negative experiences which involve suffering, for they can open a person to new avenues. This was the attitude that guided the actions of St. Vincent when he faced negative experiences and painful events. For instance, during his tenure as the Rector of the Neapolitan Church of Santo Spirito, he was often ill treated by the other priests in the rectory. In coping with this situation, St. Vincent used to say that these pains are mercies of God and that he is not worthy to suffer for Christ. These painful experiences prepared him inwardly and outwardly for the greater challenges that he had to face at the foundation of the Society. Thus, St. Vincent always saw the hand of God in every suffering that came into his life. Hence, he made every suffering an opportunity to encounter God and his will. In this manner, St. Vincent used every painful event as a stepping- stone to God.

Do I accept the suffering I face in my life as a stepping-stone to God? Do I believe that negative experiences can open new avenues in my life? Do I believe that God prepares me inwardly and outwardly through sufferings to face greater challenges in the future? Do I see the hand of God in moments of my suffering?

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (I Pet. 4: 14)