The Theology of Suffering: Saint John Paul Ii’S Legacy of Love”
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY “THE THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING: SAINT JOHN PAUL II’S LEGACY OF LOVE” SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE MASTERS IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE DEGREE BY ERIC SZATKOWSKI MAY 7, 2014 You can’t have Easter Sunday without Good Friday. Period. In other words, all of the joy, peace, and eternal happiness awaiting us in heaven would be impossible without the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sacred scripture is rich with examples that offer clues to the purpose and meaning of suffering, yet we need not look further than the words of Jesus himself: Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. MT 16: 24-25 Nonetheless, despite the clarity of scripture on the subject, humanity has always struggled with suffering and the question why an all-good and all-loving God would allow it to happen. Using the teachings and living witness of Pope John Paul II, this paper tackles the issue of suffering in a unique way. Specifically, through this author’s real-life faith journey encompassing nearly three decades and two careers. Whether it’s contemplating that Good Friday always precedes Easter Sunday, or merely by remembering an oft-used cliché like “No pain, no gain,” suffering is not only a necessary part of life, but an opportunity for holiness that enables us to draw closer to God and ultimately share fully in His divine life.
[Show full text]