St. Faustina Kowalska: The Treasure of Suffering

St. Faustina Kowalska, the Polish nun and mystic known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy, left behind a remarkable spiritual legacy in her Diary, where she recorded her profound encounters with Jesus. Her writings emphasize the transformative power of suffering—a theme central to Christian spirituality. For St. Faustina, suffering was not merely an affliction to be endured but a precious gift that purifies the soul and deepens one’s relationship with Christ.

Suffering as the Greatest Treasure

One of St. Faustina’s most striking reflections on suffering is found in her Diary:

Suffering is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the Savior; in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering, the purer the love. (57)

Faustina understood that suffering, when united with Christ, is not wasted but becomes redemptive. She did not view pain as meaningless but as a means to draw closer to Jesus, who suffered for humanity’s salvation. The trials she faced—both physical and spiritual—were opportunities to grow in holiness. She wrote:

True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering. (343)

This profound perspective challenges the modern inclination to avoid suffering at all costs. St. Faustina teaches that suffering refines and strengthens love, making it more selfless and Christ-like.

Purification of the Soul Through Suffering

Suffering was, for St. Faustina, a means of purification. She saw it as a divine fire that burned away imperfections, leading the soul to a greater state of grace. She expressed this beautifully in her Diary:

Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth; it purifies the soul. In suffering, we learn who our true friend is. (342)

This purification is not easy, but it bears great spiritual fruit. St. Faustina accepted suffering with patience and trust, knowing that it shaped her into the image of Christ. Her example encourages all believers to embrace their trials with faith, recognizing that God uses them to draw the soul closer to Himself.

Suffering Reveals True Friendship

One of the most poignant aspects of suffering, as St. Faustina observed, is that it reveals who truly stands by us. When she endured loneliness, misunderstandings, and rejection, Faustina found consolation in Christ:

When I was suffering greatly, I asked the Lord Jesus to grant me the grace of understanding who would be faithful to me in my sufferings. And the Lord gave me to know that it was those who understood suffering, because only such souls are capable of loving sincerely. (774)

This insight serves as a reminder that true friendship is tested in adversity. Those who remain faithful in difficult times are rare and precious, just as Christ remained faithful to humanity even unto death.

Summary

St. Faustina Kowalska’s reflections on suffering reveal a profound spiritual wisdom that challenges the modern world’s tendency to escape pain. For her, suffering was a treasure, a path to purification, and a test of genuine love. Her unwavering trust in God’s will—despite immense trials—remains an inspiration for all who seek to unite their suffering with Christ.

In times of hardship, may we remember her words and find in our trials the hand of God shaping our souls for eternity.

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Guest Writer, Damian Chlanda is a passionate photographer and videographer, helping Churches to promote Catholic faith, capturing beautiful moments for families, and supporting non-profits with Catholic missions. He also runs the blog Coffee With Damian, where he will take you on an adventure to explore the Catholic world.