‘Suffering is surrendering’….

Des O’Grady SJ and Myles O’Reilly SJ attended a day of reflection for priests given by internationally renowned spiritual writer Ron Rolheiser OMI. Over 150 priests from around the country attended the event organised by The Irish Catholic. The Canadian theologian spoke about the current sexual abuse crisis in the Church. He also shared some of his own insights into the events of Holy Week. He said that often too much emphasis was placed on the physical details of crucifixion, whereas the real meaning of the ‘passion’ was better understood as ‘passio’ or  ‘passivity’, and a surrendering on the part of Jesus. ‘Passio’, that inabilty to do anything to help oneself (which many really sick people experience), is the source of true power, healing and resurrection, when offered to the Father.