On Thursday, Pope Francis in an address to the members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, who have been exploring the topic of “sickness and suffering in the Bible”, muses on the meaning of suffering.

According to Pope Francis, human beings may choose to retreat inside themselves to the point of hopelessness or rebellion in the face of pain and distress, or they can welcome it as a possibility for growth and understanding of what truly matters in life, leading to an encounter with God. The latter is the perspective of faith found in Sacred Scripture.

Healings from Jesus: Evidence of God's Proximity
The Pope highlighted that in the Old Testament, individuals who suffer continuously turned to God in their distress, whereas in the New Testament, Jesus' mission is defined by a profound concern for the ill and suffering, expressing God's affection, mercy, and quest for "sinful, lost, and wounded" humanity.

Pope Francis states that Jesus' numerous healings are proof that God is amidst us and that his Kingdom is near. Jesus' relation with the weak concludes in His passion and death, because of which the Cross has become the greatest symbol of God's solidarity with humanity while also allowing us to join Him in the process of salvation.

Neither Idealistic Nor Fatalistic
According to the Holy Father, the Biblical concept of suffering is neither routine, idealistic, nor fatalistic. Instead, the biblical man is urged to confront pain as an opportunity to encounter God, the good Father, who, in unlimited mercy, takes responsibility for His injured creatures to heal, raise, and save them.

He went on to say that in Christ, even suffering is transformed into love, with the prospect of ultimate resurrection and salvation.

Human and Christian Solidarity
Finally, Pope Francis stated that suffering teaches us how to live Christian and human fellowship in God's way, which is closeness, compassion, and sensitivity. He reminded his audience of the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that it is a necessary requirement for humans to show compassion to others who are suffering. This is important for their development as a person as well as for the creation of a diverse society that is focused on the good of all its members.

The Pope closed his message by personally thanking and encouraging the Commission's scholars for their efforts while reminding them that the work they do will continue to develop as one learns how to personally accept the mystery of the Incarnation in their Christian life.