The Second Prediction of Passion (Lk 9:43-45)

Jesus shares with the disciples his plan of going through the suffering and death, to enter into the resurrection. But the disciples could not grasp it. That is the reason why soon after this discourse the disciples were on a discussion about who is greatest among them. They did not understand Jesus. Why?

The disciples must be thinking about the ordinary suffering the people undergo in their life. The usual suffering is mostly the result of our past actions. For example a chain smoker may have a lung cancer and suffer in his/her old age. Is there any value in that suffering? I would say, not much. The sufferings of those who are Jail are justified because of their wrong deeds. It does not have a value. So the disciples thought since Jesus did not do anything wrong he should not suffer. But Jesus was not meaning this kind of suffering and that is why the disciples could not understand it.

Jesus means here the suffering with an intention, to save the humanity from the sinfulness and to show the love of God. The suffering of Jesus was not the result of his wrong actions since he is sinless. The saints who lived for others are the examples for the suffering with intentions. For example Mother Teresa, Macmillan Kolbe, Fr. Damian etc… suffered for others and participated in the suffering of Jesus Christ. We are called to participate in the suffering of Jesus which is for the redemption of others. It is a call to live for others. May Christ who entered into the glory of resurrection through the sufferings guide us in our life.