Jesus: The Model of Suffering
Whatever the tribulation, always remember that Jesus most patiently suffered more bitter and harder ones than any we could suffer. (OOCC, X, p. 124; STA, 180)
The main purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world was to win humankind for his Father through his suffering and death on the cross. Jesus accepted the will of his Father and became one among us in every way except sin. During his lifetime on earth, he was tempted, suffered, was accused, was blamed and underwent every form of physical and mental pain. Though Jesus had to walk by the narrow way and struggle like any other human being, he always accepted the plan of God and did all that he could to accomplish it in the best way. Jesus was never a quitter and he never ran away from accepting and living the cross his Father had placed in his life. St. Vincent Pallotti was fascinated by the perseverance Jesus manifested, in spite of the suffering he had to undergo in accomplishing God’s plan of salvation of the world. He often meditated on the passion of Jesus. Whenever tribulations and troubles came his way, he always looked at Jesus who struggled but never gave up and always triumphed victoriously. Thus, for St. Vincent, Jesus was the model of suffering, who suffered more than any other human being. From Jesus, St. Vincent learned to cope with the trials and hardships that came in his life.
How do I cope with sufferings that come in my life? Do I accept sufferings or run away from them? Am I able to look at Jesus who suffered greatly in moments of my troubles? Am I able to learn from the example of Jesus to cope with my daily troubles? Do I see the sufferings as a way to accomplish God’s will?
Then he [Jesus] told them, “My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to point of death … stay here … stay awake with me.” (Mt. 26: 38)