In December 2003 a car crashed through a fence into a Sydney child care centre and caught fire. Little Sophie Delizio was trapped underneath it. She suffered burns to most of her tiny body and lost both feet, some fingers, and her right ear. It was a long slow road to recovery, but Sophie showed remarkable bravery overcoming her injuries.

 

In May 2006 Sophie was being wheeled across a pedestrian crossing when she was hit by a car and thrown through the air. She was badly injured. She suffered a heart attack, a punctured lung and numerous fractures. Again, she had to fight for her life. Again, her devout Catholic family was traumatised and their faith tested.

 

Why did such terrible things happen to such a young child? When we are suffering or see others suffering, it is hard to understand why a loving creator would let it happen. It is a problem which all major religions and philosophies have wrestled with. The only answer that makes sense is that it is only through pain and suffering that we grow.

 

When we are happy we coast along, enjoying life. Suffering causes us to evolve. Anyone who has attended meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous will confirm that one of the things that recovering alcoholics are encouraged to do is to be grateful for the pain they have endured, because through it they have become better people.

 

There is a remarkable prayer that was found pinned to the body of a dead child in Ravensbruck concentration camp:

 

“Oh Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us; remember the fruits we have bought, thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity; the greatness of heart that has grown out of all this, and when they come to judgement, let all the fruits which we have borne be their forgivingness.”

 

When we are in the midst of pain and suffering it is often hard to accept that it all has a purpose. It can feel as though we are being punished and punished again. It is only in hindsight that we are able to look back and see how it has helped us to grow and change. The story of Job in The Bible is a reminder that bad things can happen to good people.

 

On Thursday, Sophie Delizio and her family will meet the Pope. This would not have happened had they not suffered as they did. Pain has its own rewards. Suffering does have a purpose. Even Jesus suffered. Our loving creator gives us our tests to make us better people.