Light Within the Suffering

By Nic Herrmann

As we enter a season of deep reflection and prepare to walk the way of the cross, we are reminded that we live in a broken world, suffering the sins of humanity. The Scriptures in the coming days will speak of violence, corruption, contempt, betrayal, and greed: “Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak, I looked for sympathy, but there was none; for consolers, not one could I find” (Psalm 69:20). We are not spared from this suffering. Anyone living in today’s world can identify quite easily the suffering that surrounds us. If there is one thing that is clear, it is that we cannot escape it; we are reminded this week that not even Christ was exempt from suffering: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7).

But we also see in Scripture that suffering is not eternal. We don’t have to wait and hope only for life after suffering; there is life within the suffering. Pope Leo XIV reiterates this. In a homily at the Parish of the Sacred Heart in Rome on March 15, he says: “This is the message of this Sunday: no matter how deep the abyss into which a person may fall because of their sins, Christ comes to bring a brighter light. This light is capable of freeing them from the blindness of evil, so that they may begin a new life.”

This Holy Week, let us not cower from the suffering, and let us not forget to bask in the warmth of Christ’s light.

Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
4:00 p.m. to Sunday, May 31, 2026, noon
This event takes place in Ross Chapel
Fr. Frank Reale, SJ

In a preached format, Fr. Frank Reale will direct us in The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The movements include the four weeks highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God. The movements include the four weeks, highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation, to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God.

Beloved Discipleship: Johannine Gospel
Monday, October 12 (4 p.m.) – Sunday, October 18 (4 p.m. – Mass)
This event takes place in Ross Chapel
Sr. Mary McGlone, CSJ

The Beloved Discipleship Retreat will examine the Gospel of John as the way of entering into the call we each have to become the beloved disciples of Jesus in today’s world. The rhythm of prayer will include times for silence, personal prayer, and individual accompaniment if requested.