No Sacrifice or Suffering Is Wasted

By Ellie Colwell

For the first time in modern history, the entire world is basically shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I continue to pray for the many people suffering from sickness and death, and their families who are suffering with worry and mourning. Even so, I do wonder at times, are my sacrifices worthy of being considered sufferings?

None Can Compare

During this strange time in quarantine, I sometimes feel frustrated that I can’t laugh with my friends face-to-face or listen to my teacher go off on a random tangent in class. Other times, I worry if I will ever see all of my classmates all together again. Never in a million years did we think we would be spending days, weeks, and now what looks like will be months at home.

Even the thought of not having our 8th grade graduation ceremony makes me sad. This is something, I, along with all of my school friends, have been looking forward to and have been excited for all year. So, I’m not sure if these sacrifices are sufferings, but what I do know is that these worries of mine don’t even begin to compare to Jesus’ sufferings.

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

In the first reading on Good Friday, the Prophet Isaiah states in Chapter 53 Verse 5 that, “But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received”. Also, John 19:1-2 states, “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers made a crown of thorny branches and put it on his head; then they put a purple robe on him and came to him and said, ‘Long live the King of the Jews!’ and they went up and slapped him.” Both of these accounts are only a fraction of the torture Jesus was put through and I am thankful for the reminder of how much Jesus loves us. He understands all of our sufferings whether big or small. Through our suffering we realize just how many good things for which we have to be thankful — mostly that Jesus meets each of us right where we are.

Unite Our Suffering With Jesus

Therefore, rather than compare our suffering to others, let us unite our suffering with Jesus. If you don’t already do this I would like to encourage you to offer up your troubles to God every time you are struggling, try an Our Father or a Hail Mary. Just Pray.

Dear Lord,
Help me to remember in these troubled times
The cross you carried for my sake,
So that I may better carry mine
And to help others do the same,
As I offer up (whatever your concern or problem here) to you
For the conversion of sinners
For the forgiveness of sins
In reparation for sins
And for the salvation of souls. Amen

About the Author

Ellie Colwell – I am in 8th grade and my hobbies are volleyball, basketball, reading, swimming and just spending time outside. My favorite food is pickles and my favorite saint (although I like many) is Saint Francis. I love so much about the Catholic faith. I love how we act as one when in worship and in prayer with our Lord. I love how my church is basically my family, and I especially love our St. Dominic community.