No One and Nothing Matures to Perfection Without Pain or Something Similar to Pain (Part 2)

The complete wording of last week’s Shalom was, “No one and nothing matures to perfection without pain or something similar to pain”. This principle of personal transformation is also applicable to transformation of society since society is composed of or constituted by individual persons.

From the perspective of spiritual growth the experience of pain and suffering offers the sufferer a “participation in the sufferings of Christ for his Body the Church” (Col. 1:24) and can be a source of self-emptying and self-transformation accompanied by wholesome rejoicing.

From the perspective of a maturing body politic the physical pain and suffering caused by the elimination of criminalized individuals and political dynasties, the destruction of drug cartels and crime syndicates, and the dismissal of corrupt gov’t. officials through a peaceful revolution can contribute to the emergence of new political and social systems and governance that are corruption free. But is this peaceful revolution possible?

Possible? Yes. But will it happen? I don’t know. Only God knows. What I know, from my own experience of faith, some INDIVIDUALS I personally know — lay people, consecrated persons, priests, bishops — are suffering because of their faith and religious belief. Their decisive commitment in their present advocacy and their humble acceptance of pain and suffering have been the result of prayer. But they are not yet organized. And many are not yet happy. They are courageous individuals. Eventually they will be organized and happiness will be theirs. So I hope and pray.