The Holy Wonderworker and Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius, Bishop of Hieropolis (c. 200)
Colossians 1:24-29; Luke 9:7-11
Read Colossians 1:24-29
Paul gives us an example of how to approach the difficulties and sufferings we experience. He rejoices in his sufferings since they are for the good of the Church. Because of his suffering, the Church is strengthened.
This points to the mystery of redemptive suffering. Christ redeemed the world by His suffering and death. When He suffered on the Cross, he became united to the suffering of all humanity for all ages and united that suffering to His Divinity. His suffering on the Cross raised our brokenness to heaven.
When we unite our sufferings to Christ, we unite ourselves to His work of raising humanity’s suffering to heaven. In a world where suffering seems so pointless and we do everything we can to avoid suffering, even allow doctors to kill people who are suffering, this sheds so much light. This gives us so much hope! We do not seek out suffering, but when it comes, we can use it to participate in the redemption of the world!
Perhaps this is part of the mystery, the riches of the glory of which are being revealed to the Gentiles, Paul is teaching us about. God’s glory is present in the suffering we experience, however difficult it may be to see in the moment. If we approach suffering with Paul’s attitude, we can be joyful and hopeful even in the most dire situations we face. Christ is risen! And He shows us that suffering can be used to save the world.