Father Raj Britto, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott, recently exhorted parishioners to not be afraid to suffer in order to bring hope to others.

In a written homily appearing in the Oct. 4 church bulletin, Britto called attention to the example of Jesus, who offers hope to those desperately in need.

When Jesus entered the synagogue and healed the man with the withered hand, he did so in spite of the hostile presence of others, Britto said. The Pharisees and religious leaders could and eventually did cause great harm to him, but for Jesus it was worth it to give hope to the man he healed.

The mission of Jesus’ entire life and death was to bring hope to humanity. In the work of hope suffering is often found. Britto noted that even St. Paul told the church at Colossae that he was happy to suffer for them because it was Christ’s power in him.

“We may think that we can't be that noble to suffer so that others can be healed,” Britto said. “But like St. Paul, may the power of Christ drive us irresistibly so that we will undertake this suffering lovingly and joyfully.”