This is perhaps a timely message for me, and for many others. Especially during this time of Lent when many of us are inflicting “mini-sufferings” upon ourselves, it is good to know that God can use all of this. The things that we take on upon ourselves for reasons of self-discipline and love of God, and those sufferings which God permits. These are never good, to be sure, and we should not be seeking them out, but our prayer in the time of suffering is particularly efficacious.

Fr. John was interviewed by Dr. Ralph Martin of Renewal Ministries on this topic. The video is just under a half hour long and is well worth watching.