Lords of Discipline

Learning the value of suffering

Hebrews 12:4-7

           

Brothers and sisters: In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as his sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

            Did you ever think that suffering or sacrifice could be a good thing?  That sounds very counter-intuitive because we spend most of our lives seeking to minimize suffering and maximize comfort.  And yet suffering holds a mysterious attraction.  I recently read Pat Conroy’s novel, “The Lords of Discipline,” a fictional account of his experiences at the military institute of the Citadel.  He describes his “plebe year” as both physically and emotionally brutal.  Strangely, though, many young people who read the book actually wanted to join the Citadel; Conroy’s book inspired them!  They were looking to test and prove themselves in the crucible of suffering.  By the way, that book was Fr. George Tribou’s favorite book.  I’m not surprised!  He was the tough principal of Catholic High School and ran it like a military institute.  He was like the Sergeant Major chewing on his cigar and chewing out our rears!  But do you know what?  I love Catholic High, and part of its attraction was how hard it was there.  They recently got air-conditioning at Catholic, but the principal, Steve Strassle, insists it’s for the expensive computers, not for the boys.  Surprisingly, suffering can be a good thing.

            The Letter to the Hebrews gives another reason suffering can be valuable.  It reads, “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.”  In other words, God sends us suffering to help us grow up and become mature Christians, to learn righteousness.  God does not spoil us and give us everything we ask for.  You know, sometimes being a Christian, especially a Catholic, can feel like you’re in a military institute and going through a spiritual “plebe year.”  But for those who stick it out, you will be eternally grateful for your trails and tribulations.  Suffering can be a good thing.

            I believe suffering achieves its highest raison d’etre, its premier purpose, when it becomes “redemptive suffering.”  That’s what Jesus experienced on the cross – suffering that saves others.  When I visit someone in the hospital, I always ask the sick person for a favor.  I say, “Will you please pray for me?”  I explain, “The suffering you’re enduring can be a powerful kind of prayer, don’t waste it, offer it for someone.  And if you can’t think of anyone, I’ll take it!”  You see, suffering is not just for MY good – so that I won’t be spoiled – but it’s also for YOUR good – so that you might be saved. The first Scripture passage I ever memorized was Colossians 1:24.  St. Paul summarized the spiritual value of suffering saying: “I fill up in my own body what is lacking the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the Church.”  Strangely enough, suffering can be a good thing.

            Praised be Jesus Christ!