We don’t like suffering. We often go to great lengths to avoid even the smallest suffering. Despite our attempts, suffering will eventually come, and normally with some frequency. The key is knowing what to do with suffering when it comes.

Today’s homily looks at the various sources of suffering and what our response should be to each of these. When we know the secret, suffering need not harm us and can actually make us spiritually powerful. We accept, we endure, we even embrace suffering…and we never despair.