Suffering and Faith: Insights from a seminar on Job

On March 18 and 25, a two-night seminar titled “Job: The Suffering of the Innocent,” organized by the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and guided by Father Gustavo Amell of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, took place at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. With a significant turnout of some 170 attendees from both the Diocese and neighboring dioceses, participants were warmly welcomed on the first night by Bishop James F. Checchio.

While Lent offers opportunities for spiritual reflection and realignment, the experience of suffering is a constant aspect of the faith journey. At every stage of life, questions and struggles related to the nature of suffering arise.

Suffering often evokes fear and reluctance to discuss or understand it. But what exactly is suffering? Some believe that certain individuals endure more suffering than others, or that goodness invites more trials. How individuals experience suffering varies widely.

During the seminar, Father Amell posed the question, “Why do human beings experience suffering?” He highlighted that suffering is a universal experience, manifesting in various forms such as loss, illness, pain, and emotional distress. Quoting Jon Sobrino, a Spanish Jesuit Catholic priest and theologian, he affirmed that suffering is sacred as it offers an opportunity to encounter God.

The seminar delved into the biblical narrative of Job, exploring its complexities beyond commonly cited references such as “patience” or “trust.” Job’s story serves as to guide believers through the challenges of life. Job loses his family and properties, facing what can be perceived as evil. His friends’ opinions and judgments, along with his wife’s words, contribute to Job’s moments of lamentation and complaint, yet Job remains steadfast in his faith in God. Despite his fears and the influence of those around him, ultimately, God’s grace prevails.

Father Amell discussed the wisdom literature of Israel, which includes Job among other Wisdom Books. These texts aim to address life’s challenges and offer wisdom to navigate daily struggles, including the wisdom that strengthened faith leads to acceptance rather than resignation.

Vicky Tizon, an attendee from the Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, said that an invitation to the seminar from her friend was providential, particularly given her personal medical history. “Suffering is optional,” she remarked, “sometimes we struggle to differentiate between complaining and lamenting. Ultimately, suffering can either bring us closer to God or distance us from Him, depending on our values and Christian foundations. It’s something we must confront and accept; otherwise, feelings of blame and resentment may arise.”

A significant portion of Job’s discourse takes the form of lamentation, distinguishing it from mere complaint. While a complaint may express disgust or frustration, a lament conveys deeper pain or affliction. Lamentations address God from a place of affliction, posing challenging questions and urging action. They are prayers born from pain, vulnerability, doubt, and confusion.

Even in the innocence of Job and amidst his suffering, God speaks to him. However, this does not imply that God is unjust. Job listens, acknowledging the supreme power and providence of God, as well as his own inability to comprehend God’s plans.

Before God restores prosperity to Job, the paramount aspect for him is not to have clarified the doctrine of retribution or deservingness in his “goodness,” but rather to have encountered God.

Reflecting on the interactive dynamics with the participants, Alba Cuartas, who serves as a catechist in St. Joseph Shrine, Stirling, shared insights into the faith journey. She emphasized learning how to navigate moments of darkness and cultivate trust in the Lord, drawing inspiration from the patience of Job.

Cuartas remarked, “We are often likened to Job, the epitome of patience, who remained steadfast until a certain point when he was surrounded by friends and his wife, who harshly judged him, believing his suffering to be a punishment from God.”

She emphasized the importance of recognizing our mistakes and vulnerabilities while seeking and trusting in God’s infinite mercy. “We may lament and sometimes even complain,” she continued, “but we do so with the assurance that God is always with us, guiding us forward even when we falter. We trust in His love and mercy, even when we don’t understand why He allows deep painful situations or permits our errors. Ultimately, God always rescues us.”