The Meaning of Suffering in Christianity

Abstract

In this paper, the author addresses the mystery of suffering that grazes every person’s life. He asks: what does Christianity say about suffering? In his article he offers avenues of reflection. Firstly, he presents perspectives from Christian Scripture and Tradition. He then provides a presentation of the spiritual doctrine on suffering expressed in the life story and writings of the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, whose cause for beatification has officially opened recently. The focus of her spiritual doctrine is the mystery of Jesus Crucified and Forsaken as the key to union with God and with one another. By way of conclusion, and in the light of the spirituality proposed by Chiara Lubich, the author suggests four ways to approach suffering.