On this episode of The Inner Life, Patrick Conley teams up with Fr. Ramil Fajardo to tackle a topic we all try to avoid: suffering. But they actually make it sound… doable? Even holy? 🙃 You’ll hear a mix of wisdom, humor, and some solid advice on how to embrace the little (and big) crosses in our lives.

Be sure to check out the whole hour!

 

Key Takeaways 

Suffering Is Everywhere: Even in the Small Stuff

Fr. Ramil reminds us that suffering isn’t just about big, dramatic moments. Sure, we all imagine we’d nobly accept martyrdom, but what about when:

Someone cuts you off on the highway. 🚗💨

Your coffee order gets messed up? ☕️😤

The train is late…again? 🚉

Yeah, those annoying little things count too. And the old-school advice of “offer it up” is still solid gold. Every tiny frustration can be turned into a moment of grace if we unite it with Christ. 🙌

2. Don’t Overthink Sacrifice

You don’t have to scour the earth for ways to suffer. Trust us, life will serve up plenty. Fr. Ramil points out that in 2024, just sticking to what we’re called to do: being patient, kind, or even just showing up, is enough to give us ample opportunities to mortify our desires.

No, you don’t need to wear a hair shirt or walk barefoot in the snow. Start small: skip meat on Fridays. Smell that steak, and instead say, “Pass the salad.” 🥗 It’s about putting our desires in check for love of Christ.

3. Sacrifice Isn’t Fun, But It’s Not About You

Sacrifice isn’t supposed to feel good: it’s supposed to make you holy. 💡 Here’s the thing: it’s impossible without Jesus. Fr. Ramil reminds us that all of our “offering up” should be through Him, with Him, and in Him. Otherwise, it’s just… painful. 😖

4. Love Is the Goal

Whether it’s abstaining from meat, holding your tongue when someone’s rude, or resisting that impulse to online shop for something you don’t need, all of it has to be motivated by love. Without love, it’s just white knuckling through discomfort. With love, it’s a step closer to sainthood. 💕

So next time life gets inconvenient, don’t just gripe: offer it up! Whether it’s spilled coffee or serious family struggles, every little act of surrender can bring us closer to Jesus. 💪

Got a crucifix handy? Give it a touch. That’s the kind of practical, everyday holiness Fr. Ramil is talking about. 🙌 Let’s do this, team.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS