New book collects Mother Angelica's reflections on suffering

Birmingham, Ala., Mar 31, 2017 / 15:31 pm

A new book released by EWTN Publishing offers spiritual advice and insight on suffering and spiritual burnout from the late Mother Angelica.

The work is composed of six "mini-books" written by Mother Angelica, which had previously been published by Our Lady of Angels Monastery in the 1970s. The reflections were written by Mother Angelica during Adoration.

Entitled "Mother Angelica on Suffering and Burnout," the book addresses different types of suffering, from preventative and corrective suffering to interior and personal suffering.

In some cases, we are called to suffer as a witness to Christ, Mother Angelica says. In other cases, our suffering can be an act of repentance.

While everyone suffers, she notes, suffering itself does not make us holy. Rather, suffering is "wasted" when it is not united with love to Christ's Passion. In this way, it is our response to suffering that can make it redemptive for us and for others.

The book also delves into Christ's own suffering. It discusses the dryness of mind and heart that can sometimes arise in prayer, and how dryness can actually lead to greater humility and patience.

In addition, Mother Angelica talks about what she calls "spiritual hangovers" – the damage caused when one harbors resentment to the point that it begins to gnaw at the soul.

The book concludes with a reflection on the consolation found in Christ's silent presence and the realization that Christ needs our gratitude and trust.

Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation founded EWTN in 1981, and it has since become the largest religious media network in the world. She died March 27, 2016 after a lengthy struggle with the aftereffects of a stroke. She was 92 years-old.

CNA is part of the EWTN Family.

"Mother Angelica on Suffering and Burnout" can be ordered on the Sophia Institute Press website here.