A Short Important Book on Suffering

Often, I am impressed by books. Occasionally, I am wowed by them. Why Must I Suffer has wowed me, because it is a book written with great paternal love, telling us how things are, with no effeminate-embellishments, and what to do about it.

Why Must I Suffer is a slim read that could be finished in a single (dedicated) sitting. The purpose is not to provide a theodicy but a spiritual battle plan to ensure that suffering is 1) understood and 2) never wasted. (There is a nice explanation of original sin found within Chapter 1, how the consequences are just, and what the effects of disinheritance are. Mostly, however, the book is set on explaining, rather than offering an apologetic for, our situation.)

Such explanations are refreshingly direct. “The second reason why you must suffer, especially in times of general calamity, is this: As a member of society and a citizen of your country, you must unite with the rest in making atonement and reparation which Divine Justice requires for the public and national sins committed in the community in which you live.” (Pg. 9)

Importantly, Why I Must suffer offers step-by-step “here’s what to do about it” insights for turning evil into everlasting good. For example:

“1) Imitate the Prodigal Son and return to God with sincere sorrow for your sins, securing the fulness of His pardon by a contrite confession. You must be in the state of grace before your suffering can be meritorious for Heaven.

2) Humbly acknowledge that you have fully deserved your sufferings — nay, even the eternal pains of Hell — by mortal sin. If you have not been condemned, it is solely because God’s mercy has spared you and given you time for repentance.

3) In the spirit of an abiding sorrow for your sins, make sure to unique all your sufferings with those of Our Lord dying on the cross, and make a frequent offering of them thus united, to the Divine Justice in atonement for the wrong you have done.” (Pg. 24)

The tone reminds you of how it felt to be reprimanded by that hot-headed (mine was red-headed) basketball coach you fearfully respected. It’s the sort of necessary tough love that has almost entirely been expunged in society by the prevalence of Netflix and soy. It will not surprise you, then, to hear this book was written in the 1930’s.

For years, I lived life abominably. During these times, I suffered immensely. The only difference now is I am no longer deluded about. Before, I would think I never deserved such suffering. Now, I see I deserve more.