Christ transforms the meaning and value of suffering from something to be feared or at best endured into something redemptive [and transformative].
Still to the sufferer comes, as due from God, a glory that to suffering owes its birth.
Submission to suffering is a form of annihilation, but transformation of suffering rekindles a faith that gives life.
If you don't transform your suffering, you'll transmit it.
The new experience that has replaced dignified suffering is artificially prolonged, opaque, depersonalized maintenance.
If compassion is so good for us, why don't we train our health care providers in compassion so that they can do what they're supposed to do, which is to transform suffering?
Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering and self-mastery.
Within the heart of every person exists the flame of wisdom that transforms all suffering into kindling for the fire of creative energy.
Succeed in not fearing the lion, and the lion will fear YOU. Say to suffering, 'I will that you shall become a pleasure,' and it will prove to be such-- and even more than a pleasure, it will be a blessing.
That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal sufferring, "No future bliss can make up for it" not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory.
