From the Pastor
Fr. Mike Comer shares his thoughts on Scripture, spirituality and the challenges of living the Gospel.
st. paul: "i rejoice in my sufferings..."
July 20, 2025
The second reading for this Sunday comes from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. We hear Paul say, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I make up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.”
I can recall the first time that I really heard that statement. It shocked me, as I thought, “What could possibly be lacking in the afflictions of Christ?” Was it not His sufferings that won our salvation for us? What more is needed?” Since that day, I have been particularly curious about this passage.
We certainly see that the sufferings of Christ are salvific. All of us are saved by the death and resurrection of Christ. Nothing can be added to that, and nothing needs to be added to that. But Christ teaches us that not only are His sufferings salvific, but so are ours, if we join our sufferings to His. Paul says that His sufferings are offered for the Church, which is the Body of Christ. We offer our sufferings to Christ as a prayer, for the Church as a whole, or for some part of the Church or some individual. How do we do this?
First of all, whatever the suffering is that we are dealing with, we accept it. That does not mean we do not seek legitimate relief or healing, but that as long as we are going through the suffering, we do so with prayer and with grace. If we are complaining or taking our sufferings out on others, then we are not accepting the suffering.
I can recall the first time that I really heard that statement. It shocked me, as I thought, “What could possibly be lacking in the afflictions of Christ?” Was it not His sufferings that won our salvation for us? What more is needed?” Since that day, I have been particularly curious about this passage.
We certainly see that the sufferings of Christ are salvific. All of us are saved by the death and resurrection of Christ. Nothing can be added to that, and nothing needs to be added to that. But Christ teaches us that not only are His sufferings salvific, but so are ours, if we join our sufferings to His. Paul says that His sufferings are offered for the Church, which is the Body of Christ. We offer our sufferings to Christ as a prayer, for the Church as a whole, or for some part of the Church or some individual. How do we do this?
First of all, whatever the suffering is that we are dealing with, we accept it. That does not mean we do not seek legitimate relief or healing, but that as long as we are going through the suffering, we do so with prayer and with grace. If we are complaining or taking our sufferings out on others, then we are not accepting the suffering.
Having accepted the sufferings, we determine what we want to pray for. It may be for a loved one who is going through a difficult time, or for some group of people who are struggling. For instance, we might pray for those who are fleeing persecution, or for Christians who are being martyred, or family or friends who are ill. It can be offered for someone who has died, asking God to complete their final purification so that they can experience the fullness of heaven. Whatever it is, we call it to mind.
And finally, we state in our prayers to God what it is that we are asking of Him.
Suffering has great power when placed in the hands of Christ. He can do great things through that suffering.
—Fr. Mike Comer
And finally, we state in our prayers to God what it is that we are asking of Him.
Suffering has great power when placed in the hands of Christ. He can do great things through that suffering.
—Fr. Mike Comer
St. Paul being scourged.