This sermon’s subject is one of the tough ones; in fact, the toughest: human suffering. What persuades here more than any individual characteristic is that which pervades all - compassion. After first tracing some of his own evasive, hidden, superficial, though genuine response, the preacher then moves to instances of his own and his parishioners’ sufferings which will not budge, unless.

Concreteness of language and example - the specifics will not let the listener escape.

Suffering can shrink a vision and a hope. How to expand the vision in the midst of pain? Even to the point of rejoicing? Well, read on.

There are times in my life when I just want to run and hide. I remember an incident when I was nine years old. My father was ready to leave the house to go to the hospital for what tu…