Romo Albertus Joni, SCJ: Jikalau Tuhan Maha Baik, mengapa harus ada penderitaan?

Summary

This video explores the profound spiritual lessons derived from suffering, drawing from biblical and Christian traditions. It highlights the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, particularly His pierced side, symbolizing divine love and the gift of life for humanity. The speaker reflects on the Book of Job, emphasizing the shift from questioning 'why' suffering exists to seeking 'who' God is in the midst of it. Through the example of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, it shows that suffering can lead to a deeper, intimate encounter with God, where His presence is revealed, offering a transformative spiritual experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus' suffering and death are central to Christian spirituality, symbolizing His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.
• 😀 The spirituality of the Sacred Hearts emphasizes the love of God through the sacrifice of Jesus, especially His pierced side from which water and blood flowed.
• 😀 Rather than asking 'Why do we suffer?', we should focus on 'Who is God in my suffering?' to deepen our relationship with Him.
• 😀 The Book of Job teaches that God does not always provide reasons for suffering but invites us to recognize His greatness and trust in His wisdom.
• 😀 In times of suffering, God can appear unexpectedly, as seen with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who encountered the risen Christ in their grief.
• 😀 Suffering should not be viewed as a burden but as an opportunity to grow closer to God and experience His presence more intimately.
• 😀 Instead of dwelling on why we suffer, we should turn our focus to experiencing God's presence in our pain, inviting Him into our suffering.
• 😀 Job's response to God's challenge in the Book of Job reminds us of the limits of human understanding and the vastness of God's wisdom.
• 😀 The resurrection of Jesus offers hope in suffering, as even in pain, God’s transformative presence can lead to deeper faith and understanding.
• 😀 Every moment of suffering can be a way to meet God from the heart, making pain a doorway to intimacy with the Divine.

Q & A

What is the central message of the speaker in relation to suffering?

The central message is that suffering can be a means of encountering God more intimately. Instead of focusing on 'Why?' in the face of suffering, we should focus on 'Who?' — who God is in the midst of pain and how this suffering can bring us closer to Him.

How does the speaker view the story of Job in relation to suffering?

The speaker uses the story of Job to highlight that suffering doesn't always come with clear answers. God doesn't explain why suffering occurs but instead challenges Job to recognize his limited understanding. The lesson is that sometimes suffering is a path to encountering God without needing explanations.

What spiritual significance does the speaker attribute to the moment when Jesus' side was pierced?

The moment when Jesus' side was pierced, resulting in the flow of blood and water, is seen as the ultimate act of love. For the speaker's community, the Dehonians, this moment is central to their spirituality as it represents God's self-giving love and the offering of life for humanity.

How does the speaker encourage individuals to approach their suffering?

Instead of self-pity or asking 'Why?' the speaker encourages individuals to invite God into their suffering. They suggest praying and asking God to be present in their pain, leading to a deeper relationship and spiritual transformation.

What is the significance of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in the context of suffering?

The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates how suffering can be transformed into a profound encounter with the risen Christ. Even in despair, Christ walks alongside them, and through the breaking of bread, they recognize Him, showing that suffering can lead to spiritual revelation and renewal.

How does the speaker explain the relationship between suffering and intimacy with God?

The speaker suggests that suffering, when experienced with God, can lead to greater intimacy. Suffering opens the door for individuals to experience God's presence on a deeper, heart-to-heart level, offering an opportunity to grow closer to Him in ways that comfort and prosperity cannot.

What is the purpose of the reference to the suffering of Jesus and His death on the cross?

The reference to Jesus' suffering emphasizes His ultimate sacrifice and the idea that through His pain, humanity is offered salvation. The blood and water that flowed from His side symbolize life-giving love and mercy for all, and for the speaker's spiritual community, this event is foundational to their faith.

What does the speaker mean by 'the ticket to meeting God' in the context of suffering?

The speaker views every moment of suffering and each tear as a 'ticket' or opportunity to meet God more intimately. Instead of letting suffering be in vain, it becomes a means to draw closer to God, leading to a deeper spiritual connection.

How does the speaker propose we should respond to the question 'Why?' in the face of suffering?

Rather than focusing on 'Why?' the speaker suggests we shift the question to 'Who?' — asking who God is in the midst of suffering. This approach helps us focus on God's presence rather than seeking a rational explanation for the pain we endure.

What does the speaker mean by 'God as a Solidary God' in relation to suffering?

By calling God a 'Solidary God,' the speaker emphasizes that God is not distant or indifferent to human suffering. Instead, God is fully present with us in our pain, sharing in our suffering, as shown through Jesus' own suffering and sacrifice.