St. Paul teaches that all things work together for good for those who love God, not that everything in life will be good. God allows challenges to perfect us in His image, as seen in Jesus’ life and the suffering of the Church. The ultimate glory is in heaven, but on earth, it is found in the cross and in being united with Christ.
God allows suffering in our lives to conform us to Jesus Christ, the Christ, whose glory is found in his passion, death, and resurrection. By uniting our sufferings with Christ’s sacrifice at Mass, we participate in the ongoing work of salvation and are transformed into saints. True love, proven in suffering, is the greatest gift God can give, and embracing this suffering allows us to love Him more deeply.
