Suffering: The Catholic Answer: The Cross of Christ and Its Meaning for You

by Hubert Van Zeller

The greatest test of your faith won t come from Bible-quoting Protestants or polite young Mormons on bicycles! No, your greatest test will be whether you will trust God when you suffer, or whether you will, in the words of Job s wife, curse God and die. In The Catholic Answer , Dom Hubert van Zeller helps you prepare now for all your sufferings by enabling you to see them with the eyes of the Spirit. Van Zeller, the wise author of Holiness for Housewives , maintains that you can understand the mystery of suffering only by means of the Passion of Christ. In this book, he explores the fourteen Stations of the Cross, plumbing the inner meanings of each in order to reveal why there has to be pain, and what you should do (and should not do) about it. In his explorations of the Stations, van Zeller finds a great deal to help you in dark times. He reminds you that suffering, properly understood, cannot and should not extinguish happiness, and shows you how to accept your crosses with love. He reveals how you can learn from Christ Himself to turn your failures into victories, and to alleviate others suffering by imitating Mary s compassion. Above all, van Zeller shows you that suffering has a purpose, and he uses Christ s Passion to sharpen your vision of life s meaning. With help from this perceptive book, you ll learn how not to grow disheartened or to give in to discouragement, but to see your crosses for what they are, and to bear them with perseverance.

Genres: Catholic

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Dom Hubert van Zeller lived a life of spiritual adventure and holy renunciation. He was born in Egypt when that nation was a British protectorate, and entered the Benedictine novitiate at age nineteen. His soul thirsted for an austere way of life; at one point he even left the Benedictines to enter a strict Carthusian monastery. However, he soon returned to the Benedictines. A talented sculptor as well as a writer, his artworks adorn churches in Britain and the United States. He was a friend of the great Catholic writers Msgr. Ronald Knox and Evelyn Waugh, and is the author of Holiness: A Guide for Beginners, Holiness for Housewives, and Spirit of Penance, Path to God.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this 2.5 years ago when I moved and it's been sitting on the shelf untouched since July 2017. I decided this could be one more book for me to finish before 2020.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Catholic answer to suffering focuses on the "redemptive" aspect of suffering...growing stronger by linking your suffering with Christ's. Becoming more empathetic and compassionate, etc. But that only address, imho, the most minor to moderate forms of suffering. The major points of theodicy are not covered by this book and it rankles me that the authors would imply their book offers answers in this realm when philosophers and theologians have been grappling with the topic for centuries. If you're looking for pat answers, or the party line, this book is for you. For a deeper discussion of theodicy, look elsewhere.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. Although I'm glad I read several other books on suffering prior to reading this one. I think they opened the door for a deeper appreciation and understanding of this book. I can certainly see why The Stations of The Cross are so fruitful in prayer. This book was a beautiful introduction to the depth and richness of The Stations. It illuminated the intense sufferings of Christ and put forth the hope of uniting our own sufferings with His. He models for us the way to suffer, to love, and to live. This book would be a true comfort in any kind of trial.

[Ashley Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suffering

There are definitely some helpful points in this book than the typical catholic theology I have read on suffering. It is thought provoking for one who has endured much suffering.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

He made some very profound points and sometimes rambled. I'd recommend this book, but don't read it when you're tired. Read a station at a time, then pray on it. You'll likely glean a lot from it.