Today we read about a favorite saint in the Maronite rite of the Catholic church. St Rafqa (which can be translated as "Rebecca") was an only child who was taught the depth and richness of her faith by her loving parents. Her mom died when she was young, and her dad sent her away to be a household servant because he was in financial distress. When she returned, he had remarried, and St Rafqa's step mother tried to marry her off, but she was determined to become a nun.
She eventually did, and when she asked to participate in Jesus's sufferings, He answered her prayer. She was blind and paralyzed for the final years of her life, and bore her suffering with joy and love. Everyone who knew her experienced the joy of her kindness and gentle spirit. After she died, many miracles were attributed to her intercession. You can read more about her here.
You don't have to ask for suffering in order to find it. Life is full of suffering, and one of the great joys of the church is that it teaches that not only is your suffering not meaningless, but it's a powerful and important part of your redemption and the redemption of the whole world. When you suffer, "offer it up" and He will receive it and transform it into redemption and, often, joy.
God, thanks for the great example of this joyful woman. St Rafqa Pietra, pray for us.
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