Redemption

“If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering…Without suffering and death human life cannot be complete." These words reflect the insight of Viktor Frankl in his autobiography Man’s Search for Meaning. Based upon his experiences in Nazi consentration camps, Frankl believes this insight applies to everyone.

Whether situational or dispositional, suffering remains a universally embedded human experience from conception to death. Though suffering is universal in nature, each person uniquely contends with it. Some perceive suffering as an opportunity, a catalyst for personal reflection, growth, and deeper understanding of meaning in life. Others, however, are overwhelmed by suffering, experiencing despair and learned helplessness.

Regardless of the perception of suffering, experiences of suffering exist for each person against which he is unable to contend. Disease, addiction, psychological disorder, shame, guilt, regret, and natural disasters afflict and overwhelm, in the face of which all are powerless to remedy. This condition is “the valley of the shadow of death” through which many are ill-fated to walk alone. Yet, a hopeful, countervailing reality emerges in the form of involvement by people who are both able to help and inspired to help. This is the spirit of redemption.

Redemption is helping those who cannot help themselves. Helplessness generates acts of redemption. Authentic Chirsitans live with the conviction that redemptive actions flow from the heart of a personal God who Himself became human to share our infirmities and restore us to wholeness. Furthermore, in Christian orthopraxis, actions taken to help those in need betoken a heightened sense of personal responsibility, self-transcendence, and willingness to sacrifice.

The experience of God being with us is manifest in the life and ministry of Jesus. His message is hopeful and His involvement with people is practical: curing disease and sickness among the people; forgiving the transgressions of the remorseful; sharing the burden of our infirmities; seeking not to be served but to serve; and giving His life as a ransom for many. This is the spirit of redemption which infuses life. This spirit enjoins people of goodwill to be involved on behalf of those who struggle and suffer, who have no other recourse.

This level of responsibility and selflessness is manifest in a myriad of ways. The soldier, sailor, airman, or marine takes an oath to defend and protect, even at his peril. The first responders in society risk their lives in times of emergency, rendering aid and comfort to those in genuine need. Jesuit volunteers are placed in communities throughout the world with the intent to serve. Friends and family support each other through difficulties. Good Samaritans respond to the stranger in need. These are just a few examples of redeemers in life who are willing and able to help.

Wherever the spirit of God holds sway in the heart of a man, the welfare of others ensues. This is altruistic love, the ultimate meaning in life. Conversely, where God’s spirit wanes in human consciousness, a void exists from which indecency emerges ever stronger. The crowning expression of human decency is for a person to take the responsibility to put the needs of another before his own.