Lent and the Redemptive Value in Suffering

Jesus fasted in the desert, 40 days

When Jesus walked with the Apostles, He was confronted by an objection:

Matthew 9:14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Jesus responded in this manner:

15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

To this day, people wonder why we have to suffer.  The answer is given in Scripture:

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Thus, Scripture says that suffering is redemptive.  

Scripture also says:
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Therefore, we are to suffer for the salvation of our brethren as Christ suffered for us.

Scripture says elsewhere:
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is thechurch:

And again:
2 Corinthians 1:⁵For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
⁶And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
⁷And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation

Therefore, the Catholic Teaching of the redemptive value of suffering is completely in line with Scripture.  And this is why, the Catholic Church expects us to fast and give up certain things during Lent.  In order that we may imitate Christ and unite ourselves to His suffering.