God and Man in Haiti

My visceral reaction to the events taking place in the Caribbean is pity and a very human reaction of wonder that a loving God would allow such suffering... A wonder that crowds my faith.

But I believe the images I've seen on my television provide an insight into the regard God places on this earthly human existence. It suggests that He did not create us to be happy, rich, comfortable, materially satisfied, and all those other illusions we claim as our birthright as we sit in Church surrounded by the rich of this world.

Our inability to see His blessing in these events betrays our misunderstanding of God and our purpose. The prayers and supplications that have risen from this poor island in the past few days represent an insight into the purpose for which man was created. For the woman trapped beneath the rubble, Jesus is not just an accessory in her lifestyle... He is become her fervent prayer and the focus of her hope. Her situation is suddenly less desperate than ours, as we travel through our short life comfortable and distracted.

We sate ourselves in the pleasures of our entertainments while questioning the justice of Hell. We flirt and laugh and compromise... Relaxed in half-truths about Grace, and oblivious to the Holiness of our Creator and his attitude towards sin. We love the world and we bathe in its culture. We offer up to Heaven our leftovers... A lukewarm and casual glance. We try and find time for Him.

But who does He pity. Who has His hand truly blessed?

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