From the Gospel: Useless Suffering

The concept of suffering is deeply woven into the human experience, and even more so into the fabric of religious texts. But what does it mean to speak of “useless suffering” from a Gospel perspective? Is there such a thing, or does all tribulation, when viewed through a lens of faith, hold some potential for growth or redemption?

Consider the powerful work, Flight Into Egypt, by the masterful American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner. This painting, often depicting Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing the tyranny of King Herod, encapsulates a moment of profound hardship and vulnerability. The Holy Family is on the run, displaced, journeying through a desolate landscape, facing an uncertain future. This was not suffering sought out, but imposed – a direct consequence of a wicked decree.

From a purely earthly viewpoint, their flight might appear as an immense, seemingly “useless” burden. Why should the innocent Child and His devoted parents endure such an arduous journey, risking their lives, far from home? It was suffering born of persecution, fear, and the injustice of a powerful ruler. Yet, in the grand narrative of the Gospel, this suffering was anything but useless. It was a crucial part of protecting the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy, and ultimately, securing the path to salvation.

Perhaps, then, “useless suffering” in the Gospel context doesn’t refer to the suffering itself, but rather to how we perceive it or the circumstances under which it arises. Suffering inflicted by human sin, cruelty, or neglect – when it serves no higher purpose of spiritual growth, redemption, or justice – might be closer to what could be deemed “useless.” This is the suffering we are called to alleviate, to fight against, and to heal.

The Flight into Egypt reminds us that even divinely ordained journeys are not free from struggle. The suffering endured by Mary and Joseph was not chosen, but it was embraced with faith and perseverance. Their hardship had immense purpose. It teaches us that while we cannot always avoid pain, our response to it, and our ability to find meaning within it, can transform seemingly “useless” agony into a crucible for grace and strength. Tanner’s painting doesn’t just show a flight; it shows fortitude, quiet determination, and the protecting hand of providence amidst adversity.