Original scientific paper
Facing the mystery of the suffering of the innocent
Marinko Perković
; University of Sarajevo - Catholic Theological Faculty in Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
In this article the author examines the suffering of the innocent as a mystery that should be highlighted. In this context, in the first part of the article he studies the book of the righteous Job. After a brief analysis he comes to the conclusion that Job’s suffering should be judged as a test of faith behind which, ultimately, is God Himself. In the second part, the author reflects on the redemptive power of the suffering of the innocent Jesus. But he reflects also on the great value of the suffering of every innocent believer which is made fertile by Christ’s suffering and is joined to the redemptive work
of Christ. The third part of the article argues that the suffering of innocent believers is fruitful in multiple ways, and this is proved by the witness of some Catholic saints and blessed. In the final part, the author points out that acute pain should be eliminated where possible, but if this is not possible, then it should be accepted with faith, offered up to God and patiently endured. In this way, in the author’s view, it becomes a very effective prayer and has a supernatural value. Finally, the author acknowledges that the article has been written under the strong influence of hagiography and stresses that the approach of the saints toward suffering is the best human answer to the mystery of the suffering of the innocent.
Keywords
suffering of the innocent; righteous Job; Jesus Christ; God; Catholic saints and blessed; Christian prudence; irremovable suffering; effective prayer; patience
Hrčak ID:
272171
URI
Publication date:
23.12.2014.
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