Episode 2109: The Redemptive Power of Suffering

Before we get started I want to mention that Bishop Strickland has a webcast and blog located at https://bishopstrickland.com/blog/
I will put this in my show notes for you.
He wrote a letter titled
Just Following Orders - Saturday, May 04, 2024
For any of you that have not followed the Bp Strickland matter, he was a Bishop of Tyler Texas that was removed from his episcopcy for no clear reason other than he made comments about the Holy Father and Voila’ he is gone. Pope Francis learned well from the communists in Argentina and has been weilding autocratic control over the church. The net net is he set himself up as the only truth of the Catholic Church even if takes removing the doctrines and magestrium teachings of the Church. His papalcy will surely be called the magisterium of Francis in the future long after his death.
Now let me provide you with a very comprehensive overview of his letter but you should take the time to read it in it detail, I just don’t want to take the time in this episode.
The pastoral letter from Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is a comprehensive and deeply reflective commentary on the challenges facing the Church and the faithful in modern times. Let's break down the key themes and points addressed in the letter:
1. Authority and Obedience
Bishop Strickland highlights the essential role of legitimate authority in the Church, emphasizing that true authority ultimately flows from God and should lead souls to truth and holiness.
He warns against the distortion of authority, which can lead to arbitrary obedience and compromise of truth.
The bishop stresses that obedience to divine authority is obedience to Christ Himself, and it is necessary for growth in holiness.

2. The Crisis of Authority
The bishop laments the erosion of authority not only in the Church but also in broader society, leading to confusion and vulnerability to evil.
He connects the weakening of authority with broader societal issues, emphasizing the grave consequences when authority is corrupted.
3. Papal Infallibility and Church Teaching
Bishop Strickland clarifies the scope of papal infallibility, highlighting that it is limited to specific declarations on faith and morals.
He underscores the duty of the faithful to evaluate all statements against the unchanging truths of the Deposit of Faith.
4. Resisting Error in Authority
The bishop asserts that resistance to authority that contradicts divine truth is not disobedience but rather a reaffirmation of true obedience to Christ.
5. Challenges in the Church
Bishop Strickland acknowledges challenges within the Church, including the abuse of power, the lack of investigation into purported heavenly messages, and the need for shepherds to prioritize the salvation of souls.
6. Historical and Prophetic Perspectives
The bishop draws from historical examples (e.g., Pope Honorius I) and prophetic warnings (e.g., Our Lady of Akita, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Pope St. John Paul II) to highlight the possibility of internal strife within the Church.
7. Call to Vigilance and Prayer
The letter concludes with a call to continuous prayer for the Church, her leaders, and the faithful.
Bishop Strickland urges obedience to Christ above all else, especially in times of confusion or crisis within the Church.
In summary, Bishop Strickland's pastoral letter addresses critical issues surrounding authority, obedience, and the preservation of divine truth within the Church. It serves as a call to vigilance, discernment, and unwavering fidelity to Christ amidst challenging and uncertain times.
But one of the things the good Bishop said in his letter was “Nihilism, a philosophy that proclaims all values are baseless, focuses on the use of the will to dominate. It is a rejection of absolute truth, and it puts forth the false idea that “truth” is merely the expression of the will, and pure &unadulterated truth does not exist”
So the Church is suffering is it not and that leads us to todays episode which is the:
The Redemptive Power of Suffering:
Today’s theme is one that might seem challenging at first glance suffering. From the words of St. Dominic Savio to the profound reflections of Fr. Charles Arminjon and the timeless wisdom of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we will explore how suffering fits into the framework of Catholic theology and the Christian life.
St. Dominic Savio's Quote:
St. Dominic Savio's words highlight the transformative power of working for God. In the traditional Catholic view, every action, no matter how small, gains eternal significance when done out of love for God. This perspective is rooted in the belief that our ultimate reward is not just earthly, but heavenly, and even the smallest acts of service or suffering offered for the love of Christ have eternal value.
"Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him." - St. Dominic Savio
Let's break down this quote from St. Dominic Savio's perspective in traditional Catholic theology:
Working for a Master who pays well:
St. Dominic Savio emphasizes the idea of serving God as our Master. In Catholic theology, God is the ultimate Master and source of all good things. When we serve God faithfully, we are assured of a reward not only in this life but also in the life to come. This reward is the eternal joy of being with God in heaven, which far surpasses any earthly reward.
Rewarding even a cup of cold water given for love of Him:
St. Dominic Savio highlights the importance of even the smallest acts of love and service done for God. Traditional Catholic teaching emphasizes the concept of merit, where our good deeds performed out of love for God contribute to our spiritual growth and earn us heavenly rewards. The imagery of a cup of cold water signifies that no act of kindness done for the love of God is insignificant in His eyes; each act, no matter how small, is precious and valued by God.
Nothing seems tiresome or painful:
St. Dominic Savio suggests that when our work is motivated by love for God, even difficult or challenging tasks become bearable. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of the value of offering up our sufferings and hardships in union with Christ’s suffering on the Cross. By embracing our crosses with love and trust in God, we participate in the redemptive work of Christ and find strength and joy in our spiritual journey.
In summary, St. Dominic Savio's quote reflects the traditional Catholic belief in serving God wholeheartedly, finding joy in offering even the smallest acts for His glory, and embracing challenges and sufferings as opportunities for spiritual growth and union with God. The quote underscores the idea that a life lived for God, rooted in love and service, brings fulfillment and eternal rewards beyond measure.
Fr. Charles Arminjon's Quote:
Fr. Charles Arminjon reflects on the mystery of suffering in the context of Christ's redemptive work. From a traditional Catholic viewpoint, suffering is not merely a consequence of sin but also a means by which God, through Christ’s example, sanctifies and purifies us. Christ's willingness to embrace suffering and make it redemptive challenges us to see our own sufferings in light of his sacrifice, understanding them as opportunities for spiritual growth and solidarity with Christ.
"Without doubt, Jesus Christ could have abolished pain at a single stroke, and, by virtue of the infinite grace of the Redemption, restored man to the state of complete, unmixed bliss that he enjoyed in the paradise of innocence. He did not so wish. He judged that, for some, suffering would be a source of merit, a gain, a source of glory, and a means of renewal and triumph; that, for the greater number, it would be a necessary expiation. He therefore maintained suffering, but purified, ennobled, and transfigured it by taking it upon Himself. He became the man of sorrows, virum dolorum, in the strict and absolute sense of these words."
Fr. Charles Arminjon reflects a traditional Catholic perspective on the role of suffering in the context of Christ's redemptive mission:
Jesus Christ's Power Over Pain:
Fr. Arminjon acknowledges that Jesus, being fully divine, had the power to abolish all human suffering instantly. Through His infinite grace and redemptive work, Christ could have restored humanity to a state of perfect happiness like that of Adam and Eve before the Fall. However, Christ's purpose was not merely to eliminate suffering but to transform its meaning and purpose through His own suffering.
Suffering as Source of Merit and Expiation:
According to traditional Catholic theology, suffering is not without purpose. Fr. Arminjon explains that Christ saw suffering as a means by which individuals could gain merit, attain spiritual growth, and ultimately achieve glory. Suffering also serves as a necessary expiation for sin, both personal and collective. In the economy of salvation, suffering is understood as a way to participate in Christ's redemptive sacrifice and to purify oneself from sin.
Christ's Role in Transforming Suffering:
Fr. Arminjon emphasizes that Jesus did not eliminate suffering but instead purified, ennobled, and transfigured it by embracing it fully in His own passion and death. Christ, through His sacrificial love, sanctified human suffering and made it salvific. By becoming the "man of sorrows," Christ intimately shares in the suffering of humanity, offering a profound example of redemptive suffering and solidarity with humanity's pain.
Virum Dolorum (Man of Sorrows):
Fr. Arminjon references the title "man of sorrows," highlighting Christ's identification with human suffering. This title underscores Christ's profound empathy and solidarity with human pain and sorrow. Through His suffering on the Cross, Christ not only atones for sin but also demonstrates the depth of God's love and the transformative power of redemptive suffering.
In summary, from a traditional Catholic perspective as articulated by Fr. Charles Arminjon, Jesus Christ's decision to endure suffering was not a sign of weakness but a deliberate act of love and redemption. Christ's acceptance of suffering transforms it into a path of merit, expiation, and renewal for humanity, ultimately leading to the triumph of salvation and eternal glory.
Romans 1:16-17:
St. Paul's letter to the Romans underscores the centrality of the Gospel and the transformative power of faith. From a traditional Catholic perspective, faith in Christ and his Gospel is not only a belief but a living reality that shapes our entire existence. This faith reveals God's righteousness and leads us to a life that is rooted in Him. Through faith, we are justified and empowered to live a life pleasing to God, despite the challenges and sufferings we may encounter.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous by faith will live." — Romans 1:16-17
St. Paul's letter to the Romans encapsulates a key aspect of traditional Catholic theology regarding the Gospel and salvation:
The Power of the Gospel for Salvation:
St. Paul declares that he is not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the "power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." From a traditional Catholic perspective, the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus Christ—is the means by which God's saving grace is made available to humanity. Through the Gospel, Christ's redemptive work on the Cross is proclaimed, offering forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life to all who accept it in faith.
Revealing the Righteousness of God:
St. Paul explains that in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed "from faith to faith." Traditional Catholic teaching emphasizes that through faith in Jesus Christ, God's righteousness is imparted to believers. This righteousness is not achieved through human efforts or works of the law but is received as a gift through faith in Christ. The Gospel unveils God's plan of salvation and His justice, which operates through faith in His Son.
The Righteousness of the Faithful:
St. Paul concludes by quoting from the prophet Habakkuk: "The one who is righteous by faith will live." This passage underscores the foundational Catholic doctrine of justification by faith. According to traditional Catholic theology, justification is the process by which God, through His grace, declares sinners righteous on account of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Those who believe in Christ and are justified by faith receive the gift of eternal life and are empowered to live according to God's will.
In summary, St. Paul's affirmation of the Gospel's power for salvation highlights the central role of faith in traditional Catholic theology. Through the Gospel, God's righteousness is made known, and those who believe in Christ are justified and granted the promise of eternal life. This passage underscores the importance of embracing and proclaiming the Gospel message without hesitation, as it is the source of divine grace and the path to salvation for all believers.
Conclusion:
As we conclude our discussion, we are reminded that suffering, though often difficult and mysterious, is not without purpose in the traditional Catholic understanding. It is an invitation to participate in Christ's redemptive work, a means of purification and growth in holiness. St. Dominic Savio's joyful service, Fr. Charles Arminjon's theological insights, and St. Paul's proclamation of the Gospel all converge to remind us of the profound truth that in Christ, suffering is transformed into a path of salvation and sanctification. May we, with open hearts and steadfast faith, embrace our crosses, knowing that through them, we draw closer to the One who bore the ultimate suffering for our sake. Thank you for joining us on Faithful Reflections. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly. Now go out and convert somebody.