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Barnes in Commonthe magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
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After the tsunamiOut of a clear blue sky, the earth shakes a little, and the ocean tears lives apart. We mourn innocent people, working, relaxing, swept off their feet and drowned, with towns and homes laid waste. The insurers call it an act of God. If that phrase means God woke up on Boxing Day and decided to cause havoc and massive loss of life around the shores of Asia, Christians cannot believe it: that kind of God would be one to fear, even to hate. The way the planet works, every now and again there will be earthquakes, and if they're under the sea, there will be waves and people will get killed, injured, bereaved, made homeless. That's how it is: this world can be a dangerous place, and human life is fragile. The amazing thing is that, most of the time, it doesn't feel so. When the forces of nature cause such destruction, it's inevitable we shout 'Why?', and go on to question what kind of God we believe in. Despite our anger, our frustration, our confusion, Christian faith says God is to be found through Jesus, born fragile into this same dangerous world, born to renew and save. Faith says that's the nature of God, to be completely engaged in life and death as it is – and loving eternally. That kind of compassionate God is at work in the suffering, the rescuing, caring, and rebuilding. That kind of God may properly be worshipped, even as we go on hurting and asking our questions. God, our creator and preserver, we implore your compassion on so many who are suffering through no fault of their own. Strengthen and encourage the bereaved, the weak and helpless. Strengthen and encourage those who are able to bring aid and comfort. In the name of Christ, Amen. |
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