Groaning

The ancient scriptural image of creation groaning in  an act of giving birth is particularly relevant in our situation.

  Frustration,  hurt, isolation , physical suffering , struggling ;  our whole life , sometimes  feels as if it is groaning continuously, whether spoken or unspoken.

At the same time, those  who enter into suffering, those who break open a pathway through ,are able to do so because Christ has been there before us and holds us all, in the totality of His suffering, on the cross,  that we might complete his work of redemption, through sharing in the redemptive mystery. 

In this we  endure and  ultimately shine Gods light in the world.

Suffering leads us time and time again through a process of birth to  rebirth, to being born again, to   turn around  and ultimately to  find some form of healing, whether spiritual, emotional or physical.

 Healing in our life always takes us by surprise, but is continually happening in a cycle of darkness and light, of struggling and growth, of hopelessness then hope. Even within the suffering we find joy in each other and immeasurable happiness.

Even though we are isolated, yet we reach out as others do to us, in a powerful  bond of sharing and solidarity.

This then is the fruit of groaning with creation ,as opposed to  groaning against it.

This Lent may we all find light and hope   and strength with our burdens of suffering. May they be transformed and healed  through Gods blessing and the blessing of friendship. Amen.