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TODAY’S WORD…

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Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing,

He is able to help us when we are being tested.

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– Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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Suffering can link a person to Christ in a special and mysterious way.

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Pope Saint John Paul II teaches us

that the Redeemer suffered in place of man and for man.

We all have our own share in the Redemption.

Each one of us is also called to share in that suffering through which the Redemption was accomplished.

Each one of us is called to share in that suffering through which all human suffering has also been redeemed.

In bringing about the Redemption through suffering, Christ has also raised human suffering to the level of the Redemption.

Thus every man and woman, in his or her suffering, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ. (Apostolic Letter – Salvifici Doloris on The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering)

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Christ also suffered in order to strengthen us and give us an example.

"By taking our weaknesses upon Himself

Christ has obtained for us the strength to overcome our natural infirmity.

…He won for us strength to resist harassment by those who seek our downfall;

He obtained for us strength to overcome the fatigue we experience in prayer, in mortification and in other acts of devotion,

and, finally, the fortitude to bear adversity with peace and joy" (St Alphonsus, "Reflections on the Passion").

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Those who suffer, and even more so those who do penance,

should realise that they are understood by Christ.

Christ will then console them and help them bear affliction.

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QUOTE…

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"You too some day may feel the loneliness of our Lord on the Cross.

If so, seek the support of Him who died and rose again.

Find yourself a shelter in the wounds in His hands, in His feet, in His side.

And your willingness to start again will revive,

and you will take up your journey again with greater determination and effectiveness"

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– St. Josemaria Escriva

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PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, help me be more like You when I’m suffering, when I’m being tested, when I’m being tempted.

Lord, give me the grace to overcome.

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