Every once in a while, we come upon a biblical text that is confusing and challenging: “In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church.” At first glance, this verse seems to imply that Christ’s sacrifice was somehow insufficient, and that Paul was completing it. How do we make sense of this and what can it say for us? The word afflictions is never used to describe Jesus passion. The afflictions are Paul’s not Christ’s. This verse reflects the belief that those who proclaim the gospel would have to endure hardships and afflictions. I complete what is needed of the Christian’s sufferings in my flesh for his body, which is the Church? Paul is writing this letter while he is languishing in jail enduring suffering. He rejoices because he knows that he shares in Christ’s own suffering for the sake of the Church.
And this is precisely where we now come in; difficult circumstances can actually benefit us. If we respond to them correctly, our sufferings, our trials, test us and prove our faith and character. It all depends on our response like St. Paul. When everything looks dark, do not panic. To those who are just and upright, trials become helps. Recall biblical Job. Job suffered much; but was victorious in his trials. Recall biblical Joseph. Joseph rose from slavery to become ruler of Egypt. Through the sufferings, we can triumph. It all depends on our response.
What difficult circumstances are we facing right now or have faced recently? Has our response demonstrated faith and solid character, or something less? Understand that the difficulties of life can actually benefit us. Discern wisely. Do not give up the next life for this one. Do not trade what lasts forever, for what doesn’t last. Do not trade what comes to an end for what never ends.
Our prayer: May God give with the grace to respond in faith and integrity, so that our trials may become blessings.