Yes, she did have a choice. I look at it like this...with every bit of suffering that comes our way, we've got two ways to go. You can play into the hands of Satan and become hateful, full of self-pity and bitter in your suffering (i.e. false martyr) which leads to the suicide mentality, or you can grow holy and Christ-like. Nothing that is worthwhile comes easy which makes much more sense when, for example, we our bringing up our children or advancing in our career. But when it comes to our souls, we somehow figure we'll take care of it when the time comes, as if we'll be able to make a deal with Saint Peter at Heaven's gate. Who are we fooling?
More than anyone, Jesus showed us from the Agony in the Garden until his Death, that we can suffer and still be united to God's Will.
God Bless.
But when it comes to our souls, we somehow figure we'll take care of it when the time comes, as if we'll be able to make a deal with Saint Peter at Heaven's gate. Who are we fooling?What does suffering from a debilitative illness accomplish, exactly?