Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 102.
(Youcat
answer) Christians should not seek suffering, but when they are confronted with
unavoidable suffering, it can become meaningful for them if they unite their
sufferings with the sufferings of Christ: “Christ… suffered for you, leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21).
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 618)
The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God
and men" (1 Tim 2:5). But because in his incarnate divine person he has in
some way united himself to every man, "the possibility of being made
partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" is offered to all
men (GS 22 § 5; cf. § 2). He calls his disciples to "take up [their] cross
and follow [him]" (Mt 16:24), for "Christ also suffered for [us],
leaving [us] an example so that [we] should follow in his steps" (1 Pt
2:21). In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those
who were to be its first beneficiaries (Cf. Mk 10:39; Jn 21:18-19; Col 1:24).
This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more
intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering
(Cf. Lk 2:35). Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may
get to heaven (St. Rose of Lima: cf. P. Hansen, Vita mirabilis (Louvain, 1668).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Jesus
said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his
cross and follow me” (Mk 8:34). Christians have the task of alleviating suffering
in the world. Nevertheless, there will still be suffering. In faith we can
accept our own suffering and share the suffering of others. In this way human
suffering becomes united with the redeeming love of Christ and thus part of the
divine power that changes the world for the better.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 1368) The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the
Church. The Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering
of her Head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire. She unites
herself to his intercession with the Father for all men. In the Eucharist the
sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of his Body. The
lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united
with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value.
Christ's sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations
of Christians to be united with his offering. In the catacombs the Church is
often represented as a woman in prayer, arms outstretched in the praying
position. Like Christ who stretched out his arms on the cross, through him,
with him, and in him, she offers herself and intercedes for all men.
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