A Retreat for Everyone – The Passion of Christ Continues (9/15)

In part 9 of the retreat, Fulton Sheen reflects on the continuous reality of Christ’s Passion, emphasizing that it is not merely a historical event but a present and ongoing reality. He explains that Christ’s suffering is completed in his head but continues in his mystical body, the Church. Drawing from Scripture, Sheen highlights the words of Christ to Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?” to show that the persecution of Christians and the suffering of humanity are deeply connected to Christ’s Passion. Through this lens, suffering takes on a redemptive and mystical dimension, uniting believers with Christ’s sacrifice.

Sheen elaborates on the conscious and unconscious participation in Christ’s suffering. Conscious participation occurs when individuals willingly offer their pain and trials in union with Christ, transforming personal hardship into a source of spiritual power and intercession. He emphasizes the privilege of being close to the suffering, recognizing the presence of Christ in their pain. Unconscious participation, Sheen explains, happens in the lives of those who suffer without knowing Christ explicitly, yet their suffering reflects his Passion. He calls for a changed outlook, urging believers to see Christ in the faces of the suffering and to approach the world with faith that transcends appearances.