As I discussed in the blog post “Meditating on the nature of God helps us deal with suffering”, sometimes God permits suffering in our lives and there is always a greater good that comes out of it. Here’s a short an inspiring reflection on suffering from Pope Paul VI. Even in the midst of suffering we can experience spiritual joy when we offer our “cross” as a sacrifice for the salvation of souls; we unite in Christ’s suffering as an expression of love.

"But we have something deeper and more valuable to give you, the only truth capable of
answering the mystery of suffering and of bringing you relief without illusion, and that is
faith and union with the Man of Sorrows, with Christ the Son of God, nailed to the cross
for our sins and for our salvation. Christ did not do away with suffering. He did not even
wish to unveil to us entirely the mystery of suffering. He took suffering upon Himself
and this is enough to make you understand all its value.

All of you who feel heavily the weight of the cross, you who are poor and abandoned, you who weep, you who are
persecuted for justice, you who are ignored, you the unknown victims of suffering, take
courage. You are the preferred children of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of hope,
happiness and life. You are the brothers of the suffering Christ, and with Him, if you
wish, you are saving the world."
- Pope Paul VI