Category Archives: Suffering

Read this and know that Jesus understands pain

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Today is Palm Sunday. This excerpt from the Gospel is an astounding insight into Jesus’ humanity:

Mark 14:34: “My soul is sorrowful even to death”

(Via USCCB.)

Jesus, the Son of God, was sorrowful. This is an immense revelation, that God can be, and was sorrowful. Sorrowful to the point of death.

Remember this next time you are at an extreme loss, the next time you are at the brink of despair. Especially when someone tells you to “unite your sufferings to Christ”, which seems so abstract, so unreal.

Spend some time with you Bible today. Re-read the Gospel accounts of the Passion. Particularly turn to Mark and dwell on this passage. Mull it over and pray on it.

Know that Jesus is aware and feels the pain you feel.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

In my distress I called upon the Lord – he heard my voice.

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The Church seems to be using Lent to drive home the theme of relying on the Lord to deliver His people from their distress. The Responsorial Psalm for Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent is yet another prayer of gratitude to God:

Psalm 18:2-7:
“I love you, O LORD, my strength, O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.

My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! Praised be the LORD, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies.

The breakers of death surged round about me, the destroying floods overwhelmed me; The cords of the nether world enmeshed me, the snares of death overtook me.

In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried out to my God; From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

(Via USCCB.)

Lent is a time for repentance, of turning away from sin and amending your life. The Church is also reminding us that a benefit of this is a confident reliance on God to help us in our distress. We must never forget this.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress

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This excerpt from the Responsorial Psalm for the Mass from Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent is an excellent prayer of distress in times of pain:

Psalm 102:2-3: “O LORD, hear my prayer,
and let my cry come to you.
Hide not your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me;
in the day when I call, answer me speedily.”

(Via USCCB.)

It seems that many of the Psalms picked for the season of Lent recognize the pain and suffering that people find themselves in. Most often it is caused by sin, either the sufferer’s actions or another’s.

Nevertheless, we are being constantly reminded by the Church of the healing and forgiving nature of God.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge

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The Responsorial Psalm for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent offers consolation to those suffering from the acts of others:

Psalm 7:2-3,9-12:
“O LORD, my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers and rescue me,
Lest I become like the lion’s prey,
to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me.

Do me justice, O LORD, because I am just,
and because of the innocence that is mine.
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,
but sustain the just,
O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.

A shield before me is God,
who saves the upright of heart;
A just judge is God,
a God who punishes day by day.”

(Via USCCB.)

People who follow their own wills and not God’s often wreak havoc upon other people’s lives. If you are trying to lead a good, clean and sober life there will be obstacles. Other people will see your decision to live a life contrary to how they see it should be lived (because it is a threat to them), and will try and derail your path.

You will be an object of scorn and ridicule as they try to drag you back into your old ways.

The Lord, if you trust in Him, will be your safe refuge and will protect you by strengthening your faith. The reassurance you get from a deep prayer life, from reading Sacred Scripture and attending Mass will be the armor you need to cope with the world and its ways.

The world and its followers won’t go away, but you’ll have a defense. And a protector.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Close to the brokenhearted

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The Responsorial Psalm for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent offers comfort to those experiencing pain:

Psalm 34:17-23: “The LORD’S face is against evildoers to wipe out their memory from the earth.

When the just cry out, the LORD hears and rescues them from all distress.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.

Many are the troubles of the just, but the LORD delivers from them all.

God watches over all their bones; not a one shall be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked; those who hate the just are condemned.

The LORD redeems loyal servants; no one is condemned whose refuge is God.”

(Via USCCB.)

We struggle to do what is right. In the face of great odds, we struggle against those who act against God’s will. Sometimes it is as simple as basic human kindness and decency. We are crushed and dispirited, and lament the apparent pointlessness and futility.

Psalm 34 reminds us otherwise. We shall triumph in the end.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

I cried out to you and you healed me

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I include the entire Psalm 30 (except the intro verse) as it is an excellent prayer of thanksgiving to God for all those who have been touched by His healing hand. This serves as the Responsorial Psalm for the Daily Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent:

Psalm 30:2-13: “I praise you, LORD, for you raised me up and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O LORD, my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.

LORD, you brought me up from Sheol; you kept me from going down to the pit.

Sing praise to the LORD, you faithful; give thanks to God’s holy name.

For divine anger lasts but a moment; divine favor lasts a lifetime. At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing.

Complacent, I once said, ‘I shall never be shaken.’

LORD, when you showed me favor I stood like the mighty mountains. But when you hid your face I was struck with terror.

To you, LORD, I cried out; with the Lord I pleaded for mercy:

‘What gain is there from my lifeblood, from my going down to the grave? Does dust give you thanks or declare your faithfulness?

Hear, O LORD, have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper.’

You changed my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

With my whole being I sing endless praise to you. O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.”

(Via USCCB.)

Let this prayer be a reminder and a consolation for anyone who suffers. Trials and tribulations do come to an end, although they seem to last forever.

Everyone suffers, you are strengthened if you learn from the experience. At the very least you better endure “trudging the road of happy destiny”.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 6

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On this sixth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O glorious Saint Joseph, an angel on earth, thou didst marvel to see the King of Heaven obedient to thy commands, but thy consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by thy fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by the Angel, thou didst dwell in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, that so we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live in safety with Jesus and Mary, and, like unto thee, may die in their company.

Now recite the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and then the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Not everyone can “dwell in gladness”. Homelessness is oftentimes the result of addiction. We cannot treat our addiction, either through stubborn pride or weak will, or lack of recognizing when someone is trying to help. Or a host of reasons beyond the victim’s power. Nevertheless, the addict loses everything and winds up on the street, dependent upon the kindness of strangers or charitable organizations.

Perhaps this is when many “hit bottom”, and make the decision that not drinking may just be better than drinking. It is then that the veil may be removed from their eyes and they see the help that is available.

Pretty much everyone who is an addict faces homelessness. Many manage to avoid it. For those who cannot, we pray:

Oh, Lord, look with favor upon those suffering from the indignity of homelessness. May they seek shelter where it is available and may the hearts of those who can provide assistance be softened to see past their immediate situation and recognize in the homeless the truth that they also are adopted children of God and thus provide for their needs. We pray that the homeless may then take their place as valuable members of society and contribute to building up the Kingdom of God on Earth. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

 

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 5

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On this fifth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most watchful Guardian of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious Saint Joseph, what toil was thine in supporting and waiting upon the Son of the Most High God, especially in the flight into Egypt! Yet at the same time, how thou didst rejoice to have near thee always the very God Himself, and to see the idols of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before Him.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us the grace of keeping ourselves in safety from the infernal tyrant, especially by flight from dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.

Now say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Alcoholism and addiction necessarily cause periods of instability in our lives. There is uncertainty in every situation in life when there is change, for good or for bad. We leave a stable situation and enter a stretch of time where there is little security, such as those times when we sink deeper into alcoholism, and also when we are on the way out, and are groping for means to stay sober.

Quite often our behavior and reactions to situations cause us to run afoul of authority. We seek help from clergy and are condemned as sinners and therefore are hurt by the Church and leave, to wander about a spiritual desert looking for a home. Or we get into trouble with the law. Drunk driving, criminal misbehavior, and the like.

We move, forgetting that in relocation we take our problems (namely ourselves) with us. We do the same things elsewhere.

For all of those who are in these uncertain periods of transition and in opposition to authority and are suffering for mutual mistakes and abuse, we pray for their healing and that they may see through their pain and return to the safety of your guidance, Lord. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 4

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On the fourth day of this Novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most faithful Saint, who didst share the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious Saint Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon touching the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled thee with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that we may be of the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.

Say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be….

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We know not what the future holds. It is a dark and murky place, seen at best very dimly. Based on the experiences of our past, and how many times we have made mistakes and paid for them dearly, the future is feared to have much of the same.

However, if we have had some sustained sobriety, we may not view the future with dread. We know from experience that we have overcome our troubles and difficulties before, and will continue to do so. Each victory over ourselves and our trials increases our faith that we will persevere until the end. We learn to walk with God, knowing that if we keep the faith, we will endure.

Not all share this view, yet. Their experience is newer and they are still suffering from the stings and wounds of their past. For these people we pray.

Lord, protect the wounded and the broken beneath the shelter of your strength. Guide and lead them like the Good Shepherd that You are until they learn to trust and follow You. We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 3

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On this third day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “III. O glorious Saint Joseph, thou who didst faithfully obey the law of God, thy heart was pierced at the sight of the Most Precious Blood that was shed by the Infant Saviour during His Circumcision, but the Name of Jesus gave thee new life and filled thee with quiet joy.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us the grace to be freed from all sin during life, and to die rejoicing, with the holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.

Now recite the Our Father…, followed by the Hail Mary…, and then the Glory be….”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We pray today for all those that are suffering physical and bodily pain as a result of their alcoholism. Whether it be failing health due to alcohol abuse, or the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, the pain seems never ending. Sometimes the temptation to take a drink to end the pain is great.

For all these who are suffering, we pray for their health and strength to endure. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)