Darlington, Wisconsin
Religious Education, Grade 10-11, March 4, 2008 (draft revised 3-4-09 10:35 AM)
Making Sense of Suffering:
1. What is heaven like? Ask for ideas.
2. What makes a hero? Ask for ideas.
Suffering part I:
Scott Hahn Audio with video pictures first 24 min. of “Making Sense Out of Suffering.” (St. Joseph Communications Audio A4-2, www.saintjoe.com )
References: Bible: Colossians 1:24, Phillipians 3:10
Review:
Term: “Redemptive Suffering” --- to redeem = to buy, get, or win back – to free from captivity and sin – linking our suffering to Christ’s suffering makes it “redemptive” from our sin – we participate in the saving work of Christ.
The Holy Spirit’s task is to recreate in each of us, Christ’s life, suffering, death, resurrection, and eternal Glory – provided we accept it – the “free will” part that is necessary.
Other Biblical references:
· Mark 8:27-38 who do you say I am / 1st predict passion / conditions of disciples (especially 34-36 Take up your cross) – Matthew 10:38 not take up cross is not worthy of Jesus, Matthew 16:13-28 , Luke 9:18-27, Luke 14:27, John 12:23-26
· Mark 10:17-31 – Rich young man, what must he do?
· Mark 9:35 first must be last – servant of all – Consider discussing Pope and Mary’s role in brief
· Sirach 2:1-11 “…when you come to serve th Lord, prepare yourself for trials…”
Summary Suffering I. We suffer because God tells us we must through Jesus in the Bible. We must imitate Christ who is our example.
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Suffering Part II:
“Heavy Cross Walk” video:
1. What happens now…at the end?
2. What does he need to do now?
3. Could the others have helped?
4. What does this tell you about suffering? What does it prepare you for?
Analogy of sports, music, school….suffering for a goal. Practice for the race.
Summary Suffering
II: We suffer in practice for greater
suffering and become better at accepting and handling it.
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Suffering Part
III:
Show Return With Honor clip
Summary Part III:
In suffering we most experience God. We
are humbled in our pride (self) and accent our dependency on God (His
Love).
See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – a meaning for suffering is sanctification or keeping pride to a minimum and trusting only in God.
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Suffering Part IV:
Love means suffering – Mark Hart in T3 Timeline.
When you care about someone, you suffer for them / with them / and if at all possible FOR them – Parent (human parent / God parent / Mary mother …)
Love – suffering:
· For our own sins – all of us – lie, steal, cheat; things we do / fail to do.
· For sins of others –ex rape victim physical and emotional harm
· Social sins / sins of others indirectly – ex. abortion in our society
Suffering Part
IV: We suffer on behalf of others, just
as Christ suffered for each and all of us. Christ suffered for us so that we
won’t have to eternally suffer without God.
What makes a hero? Suffering for others.
Phillipians 1: 20-25,
What is heaven like? Suffering for others, but suffering is overcome by Love and God’s presence.
Consider: CS Lewis “The Great Divorce,”
See Beatitudes: Matthew 5: 3-12
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Mass 4 parts:
1. Opening
2. Liturgy of Word
3. Liturgy of Eucharist
4. Closing
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