When I feel pain, when I think of those who suffer, I remember the words of Fr. M. Shirieda (Salesian) who wrote an essay for Our Lady of Akita Newsletter in April, 1997. As we are in Lent, I would like to share it with you … the hope for resurrection. (Mar. 5, 2021)

Teruko Yamakawa (Translator)

… “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” (Phil.1:29). Suffering is given as a gift (blessing), therefore, there is not a meaningless suffering, although there are many fruitless pleasures… Thus, to “complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body”(Col. 1:24), the soul which is chosen by God is given a special and great suffering. This is the greatness of the mystery of Christ that the only defeat of the Cross can lead to the victory of a glorious resurrection…