“I have called upon Thee in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 85. 7). Jesus is our comforter. What burden is there which He cannot lighten? What cross that He cannot make sweet? Be our troubles what they may, if only we will call on Jesus and implore His aid, we shall find our sufferings lessened and the rough ways smoothed for our bleeding feet.
COMMENT: Fr Doyle knew what he was talking about; he lived the reality of suffering in a way that few of us can ever realise. Whether we face only minor inconveniences and frustrations or major, life-altering problems, we will find help if we turn to Christ.
In one week we shall celebrate the birth of Christ. It was an incredible intervention in human history. God became man in order that we might be saved. Jesus has experienced poverty, pain, loneliness, betrayal, tiredness, hunger, temptation, and all for love of us.
Father Doyle,please pray that we, too, will have the courage and perseverance to accept the sufferings that this life brings to us, and in imitation of Jesus, our “Suffering Servant”, we will follow His example. As Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem, to Egypt, they also had a share in suffering, probably lacking in many basic needs, and the comforts of home. Remind us that we are never alone, and that our sufferings are sent in order that we grow in the likeness of the Lord.