Life is short and ends before we know it - we wonder where the years have gone. Suffering is at the centre of our experience as human beings. Job struggled with suffering so severe that he longed for death. His suffering was even greater because he did not understand why he was in this situation - his suffering was meaningless to him. When we can find - or give - meaning to our suffering, it becomes more bearable. Paul became all things to all people. It doesn't mean that he was unprincipled or had no sense of self. He met people where they were and walked compassionately with them. This has been the practice of all great saints and spiritual teachers (and Jesus!), and it is one we should follow. Pope Francis is a fine example of Paul's practice.

Jesus was overwhelmed by a wave of human suffering. People came in droves to be healed by him, and he could have stayed there for the rest of his life and been a successful healer and teacher. But that is not what God sent him to do - he was to proclaim the good news in all the other towns throughout Judea, so that is what he had to do. Often our choice is not between good and evil, but good and better. It is a helpful practice to choose whatever will bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. That is always the will of God.