Why Does God Allow Good People to Suffer? (Father Simon Says)

Suffering Up Close: A Personal Story Fr. Simon begins with a heartbreak. A close friend is suffering terribly, and her husband is left crushed, asking the question that eventually finds every believer: “Why do people who love God so much have to suffer so much?” It feels like a fair question. If we love God, shouldn’t life get easier? The answer, of course, is no. The Furnace of Suffering Fr. Simon reflects on the prayers we whisper by a hospital bed: “Lord, heal her… step in… do something.” And yet, so often, the silence stretches on, leaving us helpless and bewildered. But here’s the hard Gospel truth he shares: “I suspect that when we stand at the throne of God, we’ll look back on the worst days of our lives and realize… they were the best.” Why? Because those are the days when we really loved. This is not the sentimental, Hallmark-card kind of love, but the gritty, tear-streaked love that costs us something. It's the kind of love that mirrors Jesus on the Cross, and that love endures. A Brother’s Final Days Fr. Simon recalls his own brother – devout, generous, and terminally ill. After visiting his wife’s fresh grave, he sat in silence – knowing his own plot was beside hers. He couldn’t even speak – he simply mouthed one word: “Why?” In that silence, Fr. Simon’s sister quietly reminded him: “At the heart of our faith, there is a Cross.” That is the truth at the center of Christianity. We follow not a pain-free prosperity guru, but a crucified Christ. And when we suffer with love, we share in His glory. The View from Heaven From earth, suffering feels unbearable. But seen from heaven, it may be the very place where our hearts beat most like Christ’s. Because in those moments… We feel deeply. We pray honestly. We love sacrificially. And suddenly, the noise of the world fades. All that remains is you, the person you love, and the God who first chose to suffer for us. Suffering does not mean God has abandoned you.It means you are standing beside Him on Calvary. And that, friend, is holy ground. 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.