In a theological blog page one quotes Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Swiss catholic theologian ". . . . We must not wish to cling to our suffering. Suffering surely deepens us and enhances our person, but we must not desire to become a deeper self than God wills. To suffer no longer can be a beautiful, perhaps the ultimate, sacrifice."  

I blogged: Yes, suffering is an occasion for growth, but we should not look for it. It is a gift to become one with Christ. He gives the right yoke. One does not need to be masochistic to love the cross! Suffering is a grace but one should not look for it, it comes when it comes. It becomes unhealthy and may not lead us to the joy of the Risen Lord!

Filipino Christianity tends to remain in suffering and sometimes we take pride of our suffering and cling to it as if to hide inside "the wound" of Jesus. But Jesus is risen! I realize that suffering is like a hot coal that could burn not only my soul but by person.  I need yes, to identify a personal suffering but that is not enough.  I have to identity them, unite them with our Lord's suffering and transform them into love. 

How many wasted suffering that I escaped; how many wasted suffering that were not transformed since I cling and become attached to it.

Our Lord wants to give us new life, and life ot the full.  Yes He wants us to enter the "narrow door" but it is only a passage.  Nobody remains in the gate when one wants enters a palace.  The kingdom of God is like a palace, I should not remain in the gate to enter it.

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