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III-B. SUFFERING – A WAY TO VIRTUOUS LIVING 221
The essence of this ideal of sanctity consists in preferring what is difficult…
Subjectively, this is done simply out of love for Christ, in order to be more like
Him in poverty, humiliation, and the Cross… (But), the imitation of Christ in His
suffering implies more than a way of proving our love for Him (for) it (also)
releases an energy that promotes the salvation of the world… Objectively, there is
a deep reason why Christ’s earnest follower should wish to imitate Him in want
and ignominy. It is the purpose of all pain and suffering, which is reparative and
expiatory: reparative in restoring the honor that is owing to God’s offended
Majesty; and expiatory in removing the stain of guilt and debt of punishment that
the sinner has incurred…Additionally), the doctrine of the Mystical Body of
Christ must be sought. For although the earthly life of Christ and His death more
than sufficiently atoned for the sins of mankind…by a marvelous disposition of
divine wisdom, we may complete those things that are wanting in the sufferings
of Christ in our own flesh, for His Body, the Church... (And as Pius XI stated),
“In the degree to which our oblation and sacrifice more perfectly correspond to
the sacrifice of our Lord;…so much the more plentiful fruits of propitiation and
expiation will be gained for ourselves and for others.” 222
No one can attain to eternal salvation without suffering. (St. Paul teaches that),
“An athlete cannot receive the winner's crown except by competing according to
the rules” (2 Tim 2:5). Even Christ had to enter into His glory through suffering
(Lk 24:26). lxviii (The Lord says), “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow
after Me is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10:38). The road to Heaven is a rough one…
Suffering and holiness are inseparably bound up together. There is no good work
that does not meet obstacles, no virtue that does not have to fight and struggle. 223
221
Ibid., CCC, 2294, 257, 1077; Spirago, Francis, The Catechism Explained: The Christian Under Suffering, 141.
Ibid., Hardon, The Catholic Catechism: Growth in Holiness - The Way of the Saints, 430-432.
223
Ibid., Spirago, Francis, The Catechism Explained, 141.
222
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