Why must we suffer? – Module 2

11/10/2025
|By Fr. Ryan Francis Donald Murphy

Summary of the Module

 

It’s time for us to delve further into the topic of suffering! In this second half of our series, a continued look at Church teaching, the lives of the Saints, and other real-life examples will shed more light on the dilemma of suffering.

 

The common worldly concept holds that we are on this earth primarily to enjoy life. Swallowing that error, many flee from the crosses that God’s wisdom lovingly sends them. They neglect His love and His Laws to pursue comfort, pleasure, and worldly success. They soon taste the bitter fruits of estrangement from their Creator and Redeemer.

 

Other individuals learn psychological tips for coping with life’s woes. However, since they lack guidance on the true meaning of life, they fail to discover the true peace that comes from love of the cross, and friendship with Jesus and Mary.

 

Still others see the hand of God behind their trials and sufferings, but they lack instruction on the vital role of the cross, so they practically consider God unfair or unkind. When they repeat, “there’s no point in getting upset or trying to change things,” their resignation is not endowed with love and trust. 

 

This course module aims to spare you the hazards of the world’s lying vision of life and suffering. Only the perspective of faith can fully resolve the dilemma of suffering and help us shoulder our cross enthusiastically, as Christ did. Living with faith means living with our sights on Eternity — eternal HAPPINESS, for those who learn to suffer well!

 

Fr. Ryan Francis Donald Murphy Fr. Ryan Francis Donald Murphy

Fr. Ryan Murphy is a Catholic priest and member of the Clerical Society of Apostolic Life, Virgo Flos Carmeli. He has dedicated most of his life to youth apostolate and missionary work in Canada, Brazil, Equador and Guatemala where he currently resides. He also contributes to the Heralds of the Gospel YouTube channel in English and Spanish.

Course Lessons

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Lesson 1 – Thermometer of Sanctity

How can a soul’s progress along the path of holiness be measured? One’s attitude toward suffering is the true thermometer…
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Lesson 2 – Love of the Cross

In ancient times, pain was regarded as a sign of curse and chastisement. But with the coming of Our Lord…
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Lesson 3 – What is the worst Suffering?

Financial problems, health problems, conflicts with others, physical pains. These appear to be the worst sufferings when regarding life from a merely natural standpoint…
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Lesson 4 – Strength in Times of Distress

Amid life’s storms, no influence is more supportive and consoling than the activity of the Holy Spirit in our souls. For those who seek to carry their cross well…

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