Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”
cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16
catechesis
A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.
God
Suffering
QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:
If God is good, why does he allow suffering and evil?
CATHOLIC ANSWER:
Suffering and evil come from man’s abuse of his free will. Free will is an awesome gift from God because it allows us to love. He permits suffering and evil because the gift of free will is worth it. And God knows how to derive good from it.
We know that in everything God works for good for those who love him.”
Romans 8:28
Suffering was not intended for humanity; it resulted from original sin. Yet, God can still bring about good from suffering. For example, humanity can know more about the love of God through the example of Jesus’ suffering for us.
Other References: Gn 45:5-8, 50:20; Jn 17:20-22; Rom 5:20-21; CCC 309-314, 324
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catholic answers
word on fire | bishop barron
dr. peter kreeft
The thomistic institute | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
catechism of the Catholic Church
For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.”
Saint John Paul II, pope
Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (cf. John 6:68).
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family, pray for us. Amen.
