Good Friday: Here lies the new value of suffering in our Christian life; the call, I would even say, that is highest among all the vocations of each day, of each hour of
life.

Jesus is “a man of suffering” (Is 53:3). It is the height of his vocation.

In our work and successes, we are tempted at times to see persons who suffer as marginal cases to care for, to visit, and even to help so as to get them back on their feet quickly so they can continue their activity, as if activity were the center of what we should be.

But instead, no: those among us who suffer, who lie in their sickbed, who are dying, and offer everything to God, are the elect.

They are at the top of the hierarchy of love.

They are the ones who do most, who effect most.

Therefore, let’s not be afraid if we learn that suffering awaits us.

It is what we must expect, because Jesus came for the hour of his suffering, and we
for ours.

Chiara Lubich

From Essential Writings pp 92-93