One of the aspects of our life that we don’t fully understand and which confuses us when we consider how it relates to our Faith is undoubtedly our freedom. Freedom is so closely tied to our identity, and we take it so much for granted that we rarely reflect on it or understand it well. God created us free, meaning that because we are intelligent beings, we have the responsibility to make good decisions for our own good and that of others. We cannot imagine a human being without freedom because, without this quality, one wouldn’t be truly human. The problem arises when a person decides to misuse their freedom, choosing to do evil instead of good, harming themselves or others.
The big question is: ‘Why doesn’t God stop someone who decides to harm others, to hurt and destroy their neighbour?’ This is a great question that, to some extent, we all struggle with. The respect God shows for human freedom and the patience He exercises in the hope that we will change our ways can sometimes seem ‘scandalous.’
‘The wicked said: “Let us persecute the just one, for he is an obstacle to us in our ways... Let us see if his words are true, let us find out what will happen to him in the end. If the just one is the son of God, God will defend him and rescue him from the hands of his enemies. Let us test him with insults and torment... Let us condemn him to a shameful death...”’ God cannot stop someone who decides to use their freedom to harm others, not because He is incapable of doing so, but because if God were to take away our freedom every time we misuse it, we would all lose it. On the other hand, what kind of freedom would it be if God only granted it when we do good and took it away when we do wrong?
So, what does God do when a person chooses to use their freedom to hurt others? First and foremost, God never wants, nor does He take pleasure in, us using our freedom for evil. And in this world or the next, each one of us must account for our actions if we choose to hurt others. What is certain is that, while it doesn’t make sense to think that God could stop the hand of the wrongdoer when they lift it against others, God, in His infinite love and wisdom, is able to bring good out of the evil done by the wicked to the righteous. The suffering for the good remains, but God brings out of it much grace, blessing, and love for the sufferer and for many others through them. We see all of this when we contemplate the cross of Jesus.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins to explain this to His disciples. Like us, they found it very difficult to understand. ‘But they did not understand this saying and were afraid to ask Him.’ Their biggest mistake was that when they didn’t understand, they didn’t ask Him or speak with Him. We make the same mistake when we struggle with suffering: instead of speaking to Him, we distance ourselves from Him or don’t ask Him. Jesus knew what was coming for Him, and how God the Father would bring forth the greatest grace from the greatest injustice ever committed by humanity — the killing of the Lord of life, the most innocent one. From the cross would come the greatest grace ever given, the salvation of all humankind.
This is the great mystery of our Faith: if, in the face of suffering, we say ‘Why me?’, we risk not only losing our faith but also being broken. If, on the other hand, we accept the mystery of the cross with the faith of a child, God can do great things in us and through us.
We ask ourselves: when someone causes me to suffer, what do I do? Do I seek revenge, wish them harm, or do I pray for them and believe that God can bring much good out of the evil done to me? How often do I reflect and fix my gaze on the cross of Jesus, which is the Great Book that teaches us the mysteries of life?
Lord Jesus, You know how difficult it is for us to accept suffering, especially when it is the result of injustice inflicted by another person. Help us, Lord, to understand that if we repay injustice with injustice, we are no better than those who caused our suffering. On the other hand, if we choose the path You show us, we become united with You in the mystery of salvation You offer to all humanity. Amen.