Finding Meaning in Suffering: a Round Trip from Vocation to Profession

Meaningful pastoral actions, according to Donald Capps, are "actions that leave their mark, have unintended consequences, disclose a world, and are always open to reinterpretation." So, in the midst of suffering, pastoral ministers have to continue engaging in meaningful positive actions without worrying about their effects or consequences. Their actions will leave marks in the afflicted, transcend their intentions and world and will always be open to new interpretations. In a sense, what becomes of a meaningful pastoral action is a mystery which goes beyond the expectations of the minister. I think I have now, by God's help, discharged my obligation in writing this [book]. Let those who think I have said too little, or those who think I have said too much, forgive me; and let those who think I have said just enough give thanks, not to me, but rather join me in giving thanks to God. Amen. (Saint Augustine)