The Suffering, Death and Resurrection have significance for Christians today, particularly in times of suffering and need. The suffering of Jesus supports us through our own suffering, as we know we are not alone, Jesus suffered too. The death of Jesus tells us of our responsibilities, we too must ‘endure our crosses’ and face our responsibilities as Jesus did. Sacrifice and suffering are part of the pattern of Christian life, of God’s plan, taking up our crosses will help us become better Christians and help us grow in faith. We should not despair in times of suffering but turn and pray to God as Jesus did in Gethsemane, when he cried out, “Abba, Father take this cup away from me.” (Mk14:36) Prayer strengthened Jesus in his times of need and in ours it also offers us hope and support.
Jesus’ resurrection offers us hope and strength in our time of need, it strengthens us because it lets us know death is not the end. We can gain comfort from knowing that something better is to come and that our loved ones who have passed away have gone to a better place. When facing death we can look forward to being with God, as life is not ended, it is changed for something better. For this reason, in the preface of the Funeral Mass we pray, “The sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of Eternal life. Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended.” It is because of this strength and comfort that the Suffering, Death and Resurrection bring new hope and meaning to the lives of many people.
Jesus’ suffering and death can help us to become more aware of the suffering around us today. The Christian response to suffering is often for the benefit of many. We also learn from Jesus’ sacrifice that we too should sacrifice something in our lives for the sake of others. For example, at Lent, when we are reminded of the suffering of Jesus, we look around, hear and help those who are suffering today. We sacrifice money that we might spend on luxuries and give it to organisations such as Trocaire and Saint Vincent de Paul to help the poor in the world. We recognise the loneliness, suffering and injustices in the world and try to respond to their needs through organisations such as Amnesty International and the Samaritans and through prayer as well. The Sacrament of the Sick comforts and blesses those who are ill and suffering. As Christians we have an obligation to help those in need and each other. Jesus said, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mk 12:30) We should love our neighbour in every aspect of daily life and sacrifice some of our time to talk to the lonely, such as an elderly person in our neighbourhood. As Christians we should not just look out for those who suffer but everyone around us. For example, we are asked to forgive each other and ask for forgiveness, this happens through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in our relationships with others.
It is because of this strength and hope that we are offered that makes the Suffering, Death and Resurrection so important to Christians today. The importance is evident in the Christian lifestyle today, through the Church and in everyone’s everyday lives. Responding to the call of Jesus’ Suffering, Death and Resurrection can benefit the lives of the suffering and needy in our world today.
