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I've been going through an 8-year prolonged relationship problem. Many times I've asked God why I need to walk this journey. Why it has to be so difficult for me, when others get it so easily?

However, when I look back at the ups and downs of this journey, I find that, although my relationship issue hasn't been resolved, my relationship with God has grown to a deeper level. I still feel pain walking this journey right now, but I have this sense of divine peace, grace and strength that accompanies me.

We all dislike suffering. We cringe at the idea of having to suffer. Most of the time we do what it takes to reduce or eliminate suffering for ourselves in any given situation. In fact, certain motivational speakers have taught that it is possible to stop a particular habit by attaching the idea of pain and suffering to that habit -- simply because we stay away from what causes us pain and suffering.

Why are we so averse to suffering? Because it is painful, and we do not like to feel pain.

But in this Saturday's first reading, we are reminded that we are like the gold and silver that contains much impurities caused by our sins and our sinful nature. We need to be refined and purified so that our holiness can shine through.

The purification process is not a comfortable or easy one, just like when gold and silver are refined in fire at a very high heat. Our purification process is as painful as going through fire, and the suffering we feel is like the heat we feel from the burning furnace. It is not a pleasant experience and we might cringe, cry or even scream. We need to remember that, if we can make it through, and if we learn and grow from this experience, we will emerge from it a better and holier person.

We should not be surprised that we need to suffer in this lifetime, especially if we bear in mind that it might actually be for our good and our holiness. And even more so when we know we have a friend and brother in Jesus who knows and understands exactly what suffering is and who is always there with us in our sufferings. He himself was tested through what he suffered; therefore he is able to help those who are being tested (Hebrews 2:18). Jesus, who is God, but who humbly accepted his role to become man, is helping you.

This Saturday we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the temple. Simeon prophesied that the baby's purpose on earth was to suffer for the sake of humankind.

So the next time you feel inclined to fall into despair in your sufferings, remember that God always turns it into a good purpose. During these painful periods, remember to cling tightly to Jesus who understands what you are going through. He is walking together with you through your most difficult times.

-Joyce Chan

                                                 Memory Lane!            

Here's some sweet memories from 34 years ago. These are pictures from the 1992 Assumption Parish Pictorial Directory. Depending on your device, you may need to click on the photo to see the full picture and the name(s) which appear below them... though for some of them, you likely will not need the name - you'll immediately know who they are! Thanks to the Comers for supplying this content!