On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering Anniversary Edition

Published on February 11 1984 Salvifici Dolorisaddresses the question of why God allows suffering. In this apostolic letter Pope John Paul II reflects on the origins of suffering explores the different types of suffering we endure examines our quest to discover its meaning and purpose and explains how we are to respond to suffering. He links our personal experiences with suffering to the mystery of humanity of God and to the redemption brought by Christs suffering. This expanded anniversary edition offers the complete text of the letter along with thought-provoking commentary by Myles N. Sheehan SJ MD. As a priest and a physician who was trained in geriatrics and specialized in palliative care Dr. Sheehan approaches the topic of suffering from firsthand experience and extends his warm compassion to readers. This edition incorporates relevant biographical elements of John Paul IIs life and of the respective historical period. It also makes the content of the papal document more accessible and places it in the context of recent world events including September 11th the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and gun violence incidents in schools and public places across the nation. Each of the eight sections of the original document contains insightful questions suited for individual or group use applicable prayers and ideas for meaningful action inviting readers to personally respond to the mystery of suffering. Whether you are revisiting or introducing yourself to this letter it will help you work through the question that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives: Why suffering? It is only natural to wonder why a person is the target for some sort of sufferinga chronic illness the loss of a loved one depression a natural disaster an act of violence financial crisisthe list could go on.