Embracing Life's Challenges: Lessons from Saint Edith Stein
When I think about the challenges we face, especially as Christians, the phrase "offer it up" comes to mind. My mom used to tell me this all the time, whether I was dealing with a small problem like a stubbed toe or something much bigger. Sometimes that advice felt too simple and a bit frustrating. It made me wonder if, as a priest, I should be offering a deeper understanding of suffering. I can't just tell everyone to "offer it up" without acknowledging the complex meaning behind suffering and the cross.
One story that really speaks to me is that of Saint Edith Stein, also known as Saint Benedicta of the Cross. Her life was full of both sorrow and triumph. She lost her father when she was young. At age 14, she gave up her belief in God. It’s a feeling many of us can relate to—trying to hold onto belief when everything seems uncertain. But then, she read a book about the life of St. Teresa of Avila, and it changed her life.
As Edith grew in her spiritual journey, World War II brought increasing danger for both Christians and Jews. Despite the risks, she fully committed herself to God and focused her writings on understanding suffering. She believed that by embracing the cross, we grow spiritually and help others. People asked her to leave because of the danger but she didn’t want to leave her people. Tragically, the Nazis ended her life in the gas chambers.
In the face of such tragedy, her story might seem like a failure. But I see a deep beauty in her ultimate act of faith and love. When Jesus called his disciples to follow Him, He didn’t hide the fact that it could involve pain. While we may not face a literal crucifixion, each of us carries some kind of cross in life. This makes me wonder if these crosses—whether big or small, personal or shared—might be viewed differently. What if each challenge is a way God brings us closer to Heaven?
By shifting our perspective on challenges and choosing to surrender to God, we can uncover the hidden beauty within our hardships.
TL;DR: Life’s challenges can be opportunities for spiritual growth. By changing how we view our struggles and choosing to surrender them to God, we can uncover the hidden beauty and strength that these difficulties bring, helping us grow closer to Heaven.