Why would a good God allow such horror to occur?

We cannot help but search for some answers in the face of the horrendous tragedy of the past week. However, we must resist the temptation to accept the quick explanations that have surfaced which identify the underlying cause as either a vengeful God who is inflicting deserved punishment, or our evil capitalistic system and consequent foreign policy. These seem to me to be either theologically untenable, or unduly harsh, and premature and needlessly divisive.

Only slowly will we be able to come to terms with the magnitude of this utterly unwarranted, catastrophic event. Perhaps we need to live patiently with our thundering questions for a while, lest we be seduced by ready interpretations that merely corroborate some people's predetermined mindset. Must we subscribe to what seem to me to be simplistic approaches - whether an allegedly widespread godlessness or secularism in this nation before a punitive God resembling more the God of the terrorists, or an inherently sinful economic system the guilt of which we share in enjoying its benefits?

We need time - and much wisdom - to sort out this situation. We must first direct our attention, our energies and our deep emotions to this sudden, overwhelming loss of innocent life, this suffering and grief - and for many - the terror that will not go away. We must mourn with our sisters and brothers. We must acknowledge the magnitude of the destruction that has confronted us, the human capacity for devastation, the potential for global conflict. In the light of our faith and hope we struggle to face squarely the awful mystery of evil among us, yet not concede to its power.

We must struggle to determine which attitudes shall dominate our pondering. The rage of many seems to be subsiding, the anger of many lingers. To our shame, the insulting prejudice of some has been exposed to us. Our prayer should be for the dispositions of quiet contemplation and reflection - the precursors of wisdom. "The future of the world is indeed in danger unless wiser people are forthcoming" and only with God given wisdom may we "come to contemplate the mystery of God's design." (Pastoral Constitution, # 15)

Even as we search for answers, the profound witness of remarkable, heroic persons emerges from the scene of the tragedy. So many public servants, firefighters and police, doctors and nurses, chaplains such as Fr. Mychal Judge, put their lives on the line - and many have paid the supreme price. All who have volunteered their services in the bucket brigade are working around dangerous "ground zero." The unsung heroes who personally rescued and protected many of the victims must touch our hearts. Can we see this and still maintain that we are largely a godless nation? Where so much love of neighbor is evidenced, can love of God be far behind?

As I write, major U.S. corporations are pledging millions of dollars for the victims of this disaster. Personnel, vehicles, sustenance and shelter for the rescuers continue to be provided freely from both individuals and corporations. Major television networks continue to try to address the event in truly human terms, to allow people to share their stories, their insights, their concerns. The children whom Peter Jennings interviewed on Saturday morning often displayed stunning insights and asked some hard questions we otherwise may never have heard. Meanwhile other nations are making statements of support and solidarity with our nation. Granted we must address the serious criticisms of our foreign policy and our economic system, yet are there not many indications of goodness there as well? Do we not see the values and generosity of our country in the actions of our citizens and institutions in this moment of crisis?

Let us live patiently with the questions, refrain from hasty, angry reactions, and acknowledge that even in all our wisdom we simply do not understand fully the purpose and design of our God whom we have known to be loving and just, nor the mystery of evil in our world. For now, let us grieve with those who suffer and listen to their soul-searching questions, providing the only "answers" we have now - our compassion and love. Let us embrace our loved ones, especially our children, and gather often as a community for prayer.

Be An Informed Catholic
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