Black Spring Anniversary
In thinking of today's anniversary of the Cuban Black Spring crackdown, I arrive at a very non-political concept: the concept of human suffering. Christians believe that suffering is an essential part of our human existence, not as a exercise in masochism, but as a way to reflect on our imperfections and get closer to God. It's a very complicated concept and one that I've just barely begun to scratch the surface on.
The brave journalists, dissidents and political prisoners who languish or have perished in Cuban jails can probably write books on the Christian concept of suffering. It's their extraordinary courage, conviction and selflessness that triggers their suffering, and they're willing to go through it for the greater good of their cause.
In this season of Lent in which Christians reflect and give up certain things, I can't think of a better modern-day example of our brothers and sisters in Cuba who know that their cause is a righteous one but have to give up so much for it.
The deafening silence of the Catholic Pope is eerily similar to the silence of the Catholic Church during the Holocaust.
While as a Christian and a Cuban I wholeheartedly support the dissidents. The concept of Christian suffering is regarding the cause of Christ and not the cause of politics. Many of these brave dissidents are not necessarily Christian, but patriots just the same. Fortunately for me as a Christian Christ suffered and gave up much so that I would not have to. The work of Christ is a finished work. The work of liberty is a work in process. Sadly men will not know true freedom until they truly know Christ.
Hats off to the true Cuban Patriots that are suffering today for the freedoms of others.