“Rebounding from suffering is a kind of resurrection. It has something to do with having first to hit bottom before rising toward the top, a lesson that is featured in AA. Another version of this is that a negative experience, such as the cross is, generates a positive one. That is, one seeks relief when one is suffering some cross. This is a form of salvation, saving oneself. An example: burning your hand on the oven is a negative experience, a minor cross, but one reacts immediately to the burn by withdrawing one’s hand, to save oneself the pain: a positive experience. Most of us rebound from life’s crosses, though it may take time. This rebounding is a kind of resurrection or salvation.”

Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, CP, 3.26.08


We invite you to send us your answer to this question. Please note that submissions may be posted on this website.