The Real Answer to Why God Allows Suffering

Playing a video game called Injustice helps Fr. Mike explain the real answer to why God allows suffering.

In Injustice, Superman becomes a totalitarian dictator in his attempt to try and eliminate evil. Batman tries to tell him, in trying to eliminate evil he has ceased to do good, because without the freedom to choose evil, we don’t really have the freedom to choose good either.

Couldn’t God do better than Superman though? Couldn’t he just fix everything by bringing us back to the Garden of Eden? Anyone who is a parent knows that doesn’t work because God’s children—us—would just mess up again.

So what does God actually do? He doesn’t eliminate evil. He draws close to us in the midst of evil. He suffers a painful death. He descends to the depths of hell. He doesn’t take away suffering. He transforms it and redeems it by entering into it. This led St. Paul to say:

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24).

St. John Paul II said in suffering we receive a sliver of the Cross. Our suffering matters because Christ’s suffering matters and we are his body. All we have to do is tell God to use our suffering. Nothing given to God is ever wasted, so give it to God.

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[JayRedding_]

I'm glad this came up in my suggested videos. I really needed this today. Today is my daughter's "birthday" She would have been 4 years old.

[AnnetteBereznicki]

My brother just died of a painful death from cancer at a young age. I prayed every day and said the rosary. Just when I thought God answered our prayers for healing, the cancer spread. I am devastated and don't understand where God was, why did he let him suffer, why did he give us false hope? My faith is shattered, and it will take me a long time to understand why God allows suffering. God has performed miracles, but my prayers went unanswered- where were you God in our greatest hour of need?

[pwille]

St. Paul: "...I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12)

[mrdudeman]

He's the most 30-year-old-looking 45 year old I've ever seen

[allanlindsay]

St. Therese of Lisieux, "I can no longer suffer, since all suffering is sweet to me". The closer you get to God the more he can (will) allow partaking in this miracle.

[oonwing]

The only MAN OF GOD, I know, that can NERD OUT, and still bring your closer to GOD!!!!


You the man, Father Mike!!!


Trust me when I say it, I WILL SAY USE IT.

Already saying, COME WITH ME JESUS, or as you say COME WITH.


THANK YOU

[richiestan]

Hello Fr Mike... I'm Richard, a seminarian from India... Your talks are really inspiring and they motivate me a lot . Thank you so much father. Keeping you in my prayers. May you touch more and more souls through your ministry. God bless you 🙏

[anaisw]

Thank you Father Mike. 2020has been tough to me. I am currently living in France lost everything when starting my start-up. Experienced betrayed and deceived. Right now got covid 19 and stay home. But, spiritually, God showed me who I am, I have never been feeling so close to God and I am having a renaissance in God. Amen.

[-gina]

“Father use this.” I will put into practice what you have said. This has been yet another very, very helpful video. Thank you so much Father Mike. God bless you and Ascension Presents.

[elavandra]

While praying the rosary today this question came into my head, thank you so much Fr Mike. 🤍🙏🏼

[gage]

Discovered this channel a couple of days. Recently became Catholic and learning the ropes. I have to say, this man is so genuine and sweet. Bless you!

[techas]

Wait, is Fr Mike 45 years old??? I thought he was like 35-38. Wow.

[domineakeharden]

I’ve been suffering for over 20 years, when is it enough? Am I to be this depressed and sad person until I die? That defeats the purpose of why I was born. Why if I should only hate life? I didn’t ask for life but I’ll be condemn if I give it back willingly.

[flightless]

I really needed to hear that Father Mike. I am really struggling with my emotions ..I get really sad at times but prayer is the only thing that keeps me calm. I prayed the other day then I turned on youtube and started listening to a song called SEA but in another language I had no idea what is was about and for some reason I felt calm and at ease. Then I turned the captions I was at loss for words. It was about the pain and struggles they went through. It really helped me out. Again thanks Fr. Mike!!

[Tlaloc]

The association with the injustice comics is uncanny and spot on. I've never would have thought of that!

[eliecerquintero]

I think you misunderstood the inherent natural suffering with suffering from humans. Tornadoes are not evil nor are they our fault, yet they cause millions to suffer. Or world hunger. When children are dying because of hunger that is not exactly an evil from another human being but just the scarcity of food. The question is why would this suffering even be possible in a universe created by a god?

[rachelcady]

Please don't apologize for using these comic references. They're a very easy way to relay a message. People understand the logic. Thank you for your video!

[Jmj]

Hey God thanks for the suffering, can my family and I get a break?

[candidapereira]

One of the best message heard so much relief in heart, mind and soul.

[nemesisbianchie]

This video has made me so emotional. I almost have tears in my eyes. God is everything, God is pure love. God loves us 😢🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤