Encouragement In Our Afflictions

Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction . . .  // 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

As I listened to a podcast, I tried to understand the turmoil the speaker was sharing. She suffered from anxiety and depression. My heart felt for her, but it was hard for me to relate to it. Although intellectually I knew she couldn’t just shake off the negative thoughts or pray her way out of depression, it was hard for me to understand what she was going through. 

However, now I’m witnessing the struggle with mental health in someone close to me. They confided in me the depth of their struggle, and I had no idea how bad it was. As I walk with them and offer them support, my heart breaks to see them suffer this way. In this case, there has not been a quick solution, but there are moments of hope when light breaks through and progress is made. 

Now when I hear someone speak about mental health, I don’t just shrug it off. It has made me more compassionate towards others, especially knowing that there may be struggles that I don’t see. 

In today’s First Reading, Saint Paul gives thanks to the “Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction . . . ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). God pours out His mercy and compassion on us and we in turn pour it out to those around us. Although we may each have different struggles and crosses, we share a universal need to be supported, encouraged, and loved. 

Sister, consider the people in your own life and in your community. Ask the Holy Spirit to place on your heart someone He wants you to reach out to—whether it’s a friend you can call, a family member you can visit, or an act of kindness to a stranger. Today let God work an act of compassion through you. 

Lord, help me to not be so wrapped up in my own life that I ignore the needs of others. Use me to bring encouragement to my sisters or brothers in Christ.