When You Suffer: Biblical Keys for Hope and Understanding

by Jeff Cavins

Overview

To be human is to suffer—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In addition to our own suffering, we also encounter the suffering of those around us. While the world of medicine attempts to relieve suffering and the media tries to sell us on a life without pain, only the Church offers the perspective that suffering has meaning. St. John Paul II said that suffering without meaning can lead to despair, but if we can attach meaning to our suffering, we are capable of going through anything. When You Suffer is a refreshing look at the mystery of pain and suffering and how to find meaning and even joy in the midst of it. Jeff Cavins discusses why we suffer and how our suffering can draw us closer to God. He explains that suffering is the greatest opportunity to love as Christ loves and how, by "offering up" our suffering, we join in Christ's mission to redeem the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781635822922
Publisher:	Viident
Publication date:	01/01/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	444,211
File size:	816 KB

About the Author

Jeff Cavins, director of evangelization for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is the creator of the popular Great Adventure Bible Study series and the founding host of EWTN’s weekly program Life on the Rock. He is an international speaker and the author of several books, including Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life. He and his wife, Emily, lead annual pilgrimages to the Holy Land. The Cavinses live in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Foreword Scott Hahn ix

Chapter 1 Your Ideal Life 1

Chapter 2 Is There Meaning in My Suffering? 21

Chapter 3 Back to the Beginning: Every Generation Has Suffered 33

Chapter 4 Different Purposes for Suffering 47

Chapter 5 Supernatural Suffering?The Dimension of Redemption 57

Chapter 6 The Suffering Christ and Our Participation 75

Chapter 7 What about You? Ready to Offer It Up? 91

Chapter 8 When You Suffer 111

Chapter 9 Keeping It Real: Ten Things to Do When You Suffer 129

Conclusion 157

Notes 159

Interviews

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Editorial Reviews

Jeff has a remarkable gift for helping people understand their faith in clear, understandable ways. This may be his most important work yet as he turns his attention to a topic that keeps so many people from knowing God and his peace.” —Patrick Lencioni, author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

“Through engaging stories and winsome humor, Jeff Cavins communicates sound biblical advice for understanding suffering and its purposes. Drawing also on the wisdom of the saints—from Augustine to John Paul II—his book offers much-needed hope to readers and invites them to ‘offer it up’ in union with Christ.” —Rev. Pablo T. Gadenz, associate professor of biblical studies, Seton Hall University

“Anyone committed to the New Evangelization will discover in When You Suffer a practical and profound resource that embodies Pope Francis’s vision of the Church as a “field hospital” for the suffering and lost. Cavins’s intelligence, honesty, and humor shine a hopeful light on a heavy and difficult obstacle to faith for many people.” —Rev. Michael White

“Suffering is not something we can avoid in this life. But it is some- thing God can use for our good—if we let him. In this engaging book, Jeff Cavins beautifully shows us how to experience God’s comfort, guidance, and strength in moments of suffering. Whether it be in the little inconveniences and frustrations we face every day or when our lives are completely turned upside down, Jesus wants to meet us in the crosses we face and help us find new light, especially when we fear all has become dark.” —Edward Sri, author, Men, Women and the Mystery of Love

“We have a pressing need in our Church today for a theology of suffering, and Jeff Cavins has responded to this need. In When You Suffer, Cavins presents a compelling synthesis from Scripture and Tradition that is not just necessary but incredibly useful. I can think immediately of ten people to whom I’d give a copy of this book.” —Fr. James Mallon, host of EWTN’s Cross Training

“Cavins takes on a perennial enigma of the human experience with much scriptural insight and spiritual wisdom. The words of St. Gianna Molla capture the heart of the message, ‘One cannot love without suffering or suffer without loving.’ And his suggestions for ‘offering it up’ are particularly compelling.” —Bishop Michael Byrnes, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit

“When You Suffer helps the reader to approach suffering in a realistic and honest manner. In a confused and impatient world, this book is a welcome remedy. It’s not just about suffering, it’s about the way we live and understand living. Jeff Cavins has given us a tool that is relevant, smart, and personable.” —Fr. Randy Dollins, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Denver

“Jeff Cavins has written an excellent book which sheds the profound light of the Scripture on that most universal of human realities, suffering. Read this yourself and give to your friends. This book will help tears turn into joy.” —Ralph Martin

“Jeff Cavins has written a solid, practical, book of biblical wisdom about handling the big and little suffering that come our way as Christians. Besides Scripture, he draws on the Catechism and the writings of the saints, especially St. John Paul II. It’s easy to read, covers the territory, and is not too long. I plan on consulting it the next time suffering crosses my path!” —Dr. Peter S. Williamson, professor of sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary

“Suffering can be destructive or redemptive. Jesus forever defeats destructive suffering through the mystery of his cross and resurrec- tion. Jeff Cavins teaches this through specific helps based squarely on Scripture.” —John Michael Talbot, founder of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity

From the Publisher