The Beheading of John the Baptist
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Collossians 1:24
Recently, my family and I have undergone what I would describe as intense emotional suffering. Everyday, I ask the Lord to unite my suffering with His. Then, over the last weekend in September, my husband and I were invited to a good friends wedding. I looked forward to the respite from the emotional state I was in to go out of town with my husband to witness this beautiful Sacrament.
We arrived in Indianapolis on Friday night and my husband and I went out to dinner for an uneventful evening. It was nice to spend time with my husband without the kids. I have watched him grow in holiness over the years and I love him more each day.
On Saturday morning, when I should have been preparing to get ready for the ceremony, I woke up violently ill. I was throwing up so much, I was unable to make it to the ceremony. We had to check out of the hotel, so my husband and I decided to try to get me home, a five and a half hour ride. In the car, I could not stop throwing up. I was so sick my husband pulled into an urgent care in Louisville, KY to see if they could help me. They were able to give me a shot to stop the throwing up. I was able to make it home.
I am telling you this story because something different happened to me during all of this. All I could think about was how Christ’s suffering on the Cross for us was worse than what I was going through. I decided I needed to offer this suffering up, something we often say a lot, but I’m not sure if we often mean. But I meant it from the bottom of my heart. I picked two personal intentions and offered this suffering up. I also did not snap at my husband even though my body ached and the car ride was painful. It was just a word — acceptance. Like if this is what God has allowed to be sent my way, as all that passes through His hands, than I accept it, I unite my suffering with His, and I offer it up for others. I have always been a big complainer when it came to being sick. But here this time, I did not get angry about missing the wedding or at the extraordinary circumstances I found myself in. It was just unusual for me. Now, I ask God to help me feel the same about the emotional suffering.
I recorded in my journal when I felt well enough again and was able to get to the chapel. I think it is a message for all of us, when we trust.
September 26, 2016
Beloved,
Do you know how much I love you? You console my heart uniting your suffering with the Cross. I say again — TRUST. My plan is greater, My humble little one. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. I AM the one who makes you worthy. I gifted My Son for this sole purpose. I know you mean the words, “Lord, I am not worthy” when you say them. It is My mercy that will bring you home, little one. You feel so small, but you have done what I asked which makes you great. Time will tell and all will be known. Do not fear. I am with you always. I love you and you are mine. You have totally surrendered your love to me. When you give me your all, I give you mine. If I AM for you, no one can be against you. Fear not. You are truly beloved.
Abba
In this time, when there is so much suffering and persecution, let us unite our sufferings with Christ in reparation. Live the Gospel. Live love.
Veil of Veronica 
I have been going through the same thing but my suffering has been different as I have been dealing with depression and mental confusion. I have been uniting this with Christ and am able to get through it with prayer. Recently, I felt attracted to the Flame of Love movement and started reading the diary of Elizabeth Kindlemann. The graces I have received has been a confirmation that the devotions are fruitful and I can relate my sufferings to hers. I am so encouraged by her writings to persevere. I pray that those who are experiencing unusual sufferings will be strengthened by uniting themselves and find consolation through the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Suffering does not have to be in vain. What a wonderful grace that we can make reparation and help Jesus and Mary save souls!
I love the Flame of Love!! Blind Satan! I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing this with the world. You put so much into perspective for me when j can’t see a thing. You are amazing. Keep doing what you are doing
Thank you Holly
My family has been suffering greatly as well. It seems that I learn of more and more good families going through unprecedented suffering as of late – physical, mental and spiritual. I can’t help but think that Christ must be allowing us a share in His suffering to rescue souls, since so many are rejecting Him. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Hang in there, and keep offering it up:)
You too. He’s allowing us to partake in the cross for the sake of others. It’s really a beautiful thing even though it hurts.
Well I’d just like to “chime” in. Offering up intense suffering in our home and family as well. I wish I could learn to not be so “reactive” to certain instigators of my suffering though. I react, but am able to get over it pretty quickly and I do not hold resentment. Praise the Lord.
Totally understand!!! God Bless you!
Hope your feeling better Susan. Horrified to hear about the expultion of your son.
Thank you. All in Gods plan. Total trust. I feel like God told me we would suffer. That’s why I offer it up. Thank you SanSan.
Homeschool! There is nothing more precious than the souls of your children. They can be irremediably damaged at the hands of others, even – and especially – in Catholic schools where they are no longer teaching the true Faith.
We are considering all possibilities Marie. Thank you for the suggestion.
I know many people who have homeschooled, including my sister in law. Other parents started their own school, which has now been in existence for 40 years, and their students out-perform schools in the area – not to mention preserving their Catholic identity, with some becoming priests and religious.
A friend of mine has also been hired to homeschool two children for another family.
Your children’s salvation is worth every sacrifice – this is the primary vocation of parents: to prepare their souls for heaven.
It’s not easy, but that is the path to sanctity.
P.S. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Homeschooling offers an excellent correspondence curriculum which is highly rated. Many of the parents network as well.
I will pray for you in a special way. You are suffering for the sake of following in Christ’s footsteps, faithful to what is right and true.
Thank you.
ONE last thought! I will never forget the comment of a Mother I know who homeschooled her 5 children.
She said “I have my difficulties doing this now, but I won’t have them later, because my children will be well-formed.”
One of her daughters entered religious life, the others all married well and practice their faith, and she now has a grandson who is a PRIEST…the fruit of her labor!
WOW, Susan! Your witness to truth and your courage are edifying. Prayers aplenty for you and your family. God bless you.
Thanks Beckita. When I gave my unequivocal yes to God I knew there would be suffering. I feel in my heart this was just preparation for what’s coming in the world. We are being guided to unite our suffering with Christ and choosing him even when it’s hard and you have lost hope in people. Thank you for the prayers. It means so much.
Amen!
Susan, I did write to the school and archdiocese about your situation. If you would like a copy of what I sent- please contact me and I will personally send it to you. God Bless your family.
Thank you. I appreciate the support more than you know. If you want to send me a copy my email is on the homepage. Thanks again.
I loved this. Praise God