Why evil? Why suffering?

The question that comes to mind, then: if God is all good, why is there evil and suffering in the world?

I don't have all the answers, but here are some considerations to ponder: there are several types of evil, and we know various ways that people suffer, some, who are afflicted, we know personally, e.g., family members, friends, etc.

First, let's take suffering... this is a difficult one for many to reconcile with "if God is all good..."

Remember, Christ tells us that the servant is no greater than the Master.  So, if He suffered for us, might not we suffer for Him, either for ourselves or others?

This has been proven time and again, especially during the first 300-or-so-years of the early Catholic Church, with literally millions of martyrs (witnesses), men, women and children, shedding their blood because they refused to renounced their faith in God, in Christ.

Some may not know that there were some spectacular martyrdoms over the years.  One example that comes to mind is that of the Theban Legion, somewhere around the Third Century.  These 6,600 gallant Catholic soldiers of the Roman army refused to offer worship to the emperor (or idols), and were systematically beheaded until all were killed for the faith.

Second, can we consider suffering as an arm of evil?  I say, yes, for if the fall from the Garden hadn't taken place, there would be no suffering, no evil, and, no death, but with the effects of the Fall, we are subject to all three.

Hence, sin is the ultimate culprit.  Temptation (test) itself is not a sin, but giving in to the temptation, is.  And if we do, then we are partakers of evil; an evil that separates us from the all-good God.

Let's go back to the original question: if God is all good, why is there evil and suffering in the world? 

The "simple" answer is, that He gave us free-will.  And we can use that free-will for good -- or evil.    

I find it amazing that the Creator of the universe allows us to use our free-will to reject that very same Creator!

This is what happens when we choose an evil over a good... 

Another consideration, is that, at times, a good can come from an evil.  This is not to say, however, that a specific end can justify the means to that end, or that one can choose the lesser of two evils.

As faith is a mystery, so too is evil.

Pray to be able to discern the difference, pray too, for perseverance.

Gene DeLalla