Chapter 16 The Role of Suffering and Death

Jesus had a new teaching: Suffering and death were closely associated with the coming of the "kingdom". In order to enter the "kingdom with the poor one must deny oneself and be willing to suffer. Suffering and death are both compared with the paradox of compassion. For suffering only the willingness to suffer can conquer suffering in the world. One cannot share the blessing of the poor unless one is willing to share their sufferings. Death in the same way: “Anyone who saves his or her life will lose it; anyone loses her or his life will save it.” The first part means if anyone wants to save their life loves it and are attached to it and therefore fears death then they do not realize that life after death is better; the second part “anyone loses her or his life will save it” since Catholics believe life after death is what we live for in this world, the person who is ready for death is ready for the next life. This is a riddle because if you losing one’s life in this world, you will save it in the next one.


The main question is what to die for? People have died for all different reasons. For example, terrorists of 9 11 thought they were dying for a cause and they were doing the right thing. Jesus was willing to die for all people not just for a cause. What is the difference? The willingness to die for humankind is universal solidarity. Jesus life was service to all of mankind. Herod wanted to kill Jesus, so Jesus had to pick to either go into hiding or face death. Jesus needed to awaken faith in the “kingdom”, his only alternative was to die, because in hiding he could not preach. Therefore Jesus died so that we would learn of the kingdom. After Jesus died he rose, Jesus' resurrection was not his main concern it was to awaken faith in the kingdom of heaven.

Chapter 9 Summary: Solidarity and the "Kingdom of God"

Solidarity, according to scholars, is collectivity. Inside the "Kingdom of God," solidarity is prevalent and eternal. In the "Kingdom of Satan," solidarity escapes everyone and rejection, ostracism, and suffering are common. In the Hebrew culture especially, there were very well defined social groups, rejecting the solidarity that Jesus preached. Jesus called for the Hebrews to reject the Kingdom of Satan and the exclusivity that it is associated with, and strive to "love your enemies." Jesus said, "Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly." (Lk 6:27-28) This quote is the basis of the solidarity which is required in the "Kingdom of God." Jesus does not want only acceptance within the defined social groups, but rather solidarity with all of humankind. One must show respect and accept the destitute to live with the true solidarity the Jesus preaches. However, solidarity does not mean never calling out those that are rejecting solidarity. One must do this for the progression of the whole society towards the "Kingdom of God." Jesus often called out people such as the tax collectors, but maintained that they are not excluded from following his ministry. Furthermore, solidarity does not simply mean an acceptance of all humankind in general. To show true solidarity, one must show love and acceptance for each individual for who they are, no matter the bad things they have done and no matter their sinful occupations. Even though they have made mistakes, they are still human and deserving of our love because they are the creation of God.
Many people have criticized Jesus for restricting his ministry to only Jews and not Gentiles, but this is a common misconception. Jesus strategized that his mission was first to spread his message amont God's chosen people, the Jews, who would then spread his message effectively to the Gentiles. Jesus saw the "Kingdom of God" as including Jews and Gentiles, but that Jews would eventually bring about the great acceptance and essence of solidarity in the world. To sum up, the foundation of solidarity is compassion, and solidarity and compassion for all are the key components for acceptance into the "Kingdom of God."