logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
51m 30s

Teaching | Man's Search for Meaning | Th...

Practicing the Way
About this episode

Can we be happy in the midst of our suffering? John Mark argues that meaning, more than being happy or healthy, is our core need as humans, and that suffering is one of the primary ways that we live into that meaning. He challenges us to embrace suffering as the forge of our transformation into Christ-like love, where true joy can be found.


Key Scripture Passage: Job 23v1-10


This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Scott from Wesley Chapel, Florida; Joshua from Cape May Court House, New Jersey; Micah from Tawin Harte, California; Sarah from Winchester, Virginia; and Craig from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Thank you all so much!


If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Up next
Aug 10
Water From A Deep Well | Ordinariness E08
Could your normal, everyday life be holy ground? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser discuss how it came to be believed that even the most ordinary of people like you and me — not just saints, mystics or monastics — could create a deeply spiritual life with God in the ... Show More
36m 29s
Aug 3
Water From A Deep Well | Mystics E07
What if faith is meant to be experienced, not just understood? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser dive into the historical roots of Christian mysticism, a part of the Christian tradition that focuses on how we can know God through direct experience, not just intellec ... Show More
39m 41s
Jun 29
Water From A Deep Well | Sacraments E06
What if God is found as much in the ordinary as in the extraordinary? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser take us into the days of the medieval church, highlighting the emphasis in that period on bridging the seen and unseen realms through architecture and the sacrame ... Show More
45m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
The Value of Suffering
Suffering is a universal human experience that is difficult to embrace. Jeff Cavins explores how suffering can be a transformative and redemptive experience when we unite it with Christ's suffering. Drawing on Scripture verses and the teachings of St. John Paul II, Jeff provides ... Show More
28m 43s
Sep 2024
Making Sense Out of Suffering with Dr. Scott Hahn
We all experience suffering at some time in our lives. Our tribulations range from small disappointments to serious tragedies. Listen as scripture scholar and lay theologian, Dr. Scott Hahn, makes sense out of suffering by drawing from the wisdom and insight of God's Word. He hel ... Show More
56m 14s
Apr 2024
A Prayer to Help You Comfort Others
Have you ever wondered if there is any purpose in your suffering? We certainly don’t go looking for suffering—it comes to us because life is a journey through difficulties and triumphs. Sufferings are a reminder of what Jesus Christ went through and it is a way for us to encourag ... Show More
6m 29s
Jan 2024
Contentment — with Adam Murphy
<p>Our hearts are constantly crying, “More, more!” Rarely do we find ourselves completely at peace with the circumstances in our lives. So what is it about humanity that makes it so difficult to be content? And what even is contentment - just feeling happy all the time even as th ... Show More
51m 26s
Aug 2022
Real Answers for Real Suffering
Is there an answer to suffering? We all experience suffering in different forms and to varying degrees. So, how do we respond to it? What does it mean? In this episode, Jeff dives into the answers for some of the big questions around suffering. Snippet from the Show The answering ... Show More
37m 39s
Oct 2022
Suffering: An Invitation?
What good can come from suffering? In this episode, Fr. Josh answers a question about praying in the midst of suffering, encouraging us to receive it as an invitation rather than just pain. He also introduces us to Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro, who strived to do just that. Sni ... Show More
18m 56s
Mar 2024
Good Suffering and Friday
Is there such a thing as good suffering? On this Good Friday, Jeff Cavins discusses the real meaning of suffering and why it is important to expect suffering in life. He explains the different types of suffering and how we can suffer well so that we may be true followers of Chris ... Show More
39m 9s
Oct 2024
Redemptive Suffering (Part 1)
<p dir="ltr">This week, Jake and Bob dive deep into the concept of redemptive suffering. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, processing a medical diagnosis, or struggling to love your neighbor, we all experience suffering in many forms throughout our lives. Jake and ... Show More
47m 50s
Jul 2024
It's Okay to Be Suffering
There is a far told myth that Christians always have a good life. That simply isn't true. Sometimes, events don't pan out the way we want. In this podcast, we discuss how not only is it okay to be suffering as a Christian, but how to deal with that difficult season. <br /><br />P ... Show More
13m 12s