Pain

Pain is a condition whereby someone feels discomfort either in the general wellbeing or emotional wellbeing. Pain can also be felt or experienced when someone is sick physically or psychologically. The philosopher Nietzsche, according to Wikipedia, experienced long bouts of illness and pain in his life, and wrote much about the meaning of pain as it relates to the meaning of life in general. Among his more famous quotes, are ones specifically related to pain: “Did you ever say yes to pleasure? Oh my friends, then you also said yes to all pain. All things are linked, entwined, in love with one another.” Life has taught us that there is no crown without a cross. There can be no absolute pleasure without some pains of a sort. It is therefore, unconceivable to imagine a life of happiness and pleasure without accepting pain in the process.

Life teaches us that pain happens when we care. This is emotional pain. You cannot love someone without making yourself open to their problems, their fears. We at times bear pain vicariously for the ones we love and care for. This was how Christ suffered for us. St Peter has this to say about vicarious suffering and pain: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” 1 Pet.2: 21-23. The unfortunate thing about life is that many people would do whatever it takes to avoid pain or douse it if possible. We want to escape from pain by all means. People take drugs, alcohol, and get involved in many other practices to douse and avoid pain. Many men and women seek to escape away from pain into the arms of women and men and use sex to drown their pain. This does not help. We can deal with pain by embracing it and seeking for ways to work through it.

If Christ had escaped his pain and eventual dead on the cross we would not have salvation today. He went through it, embraced and endured it hence our salvation. It is true that no one goes looking for pain. No one likes pain, no one likes to suffer, but endure pain we must.   

So what should we do if faced with pain? The answer can be found in Mt. 26:36-40, “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” Jesus advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: yet, not as I will, but as you will.” So apart from facing our pain headlong, we should pray, pray and pray asking for God’s will to be done rather than our will. May God help us to endure our pain and suffering with equanimity.