God Was There

On November 13th, 2015, our world witnessed yet another unimaginable horror. In the face of such senseless and unthinkable tragedy, it is easy to let the anger well up inside of us and boil over in overwhelming anguish and hatred. And in these moments of shock and disbelief, we may be tempted to find ourselves on our knees, shaking our fists skyward. These days it seems like humanity itself is ripping at its seams. Headlines are flooded with natural disasters and war; the news channels are filled with despair and acts of violence; world leaders go about making historical decisions with little regard to human dignity and life. And all the while, where is God?

There are men and women in this world who proclaim that God was behind the rifles. Pulling the triggers. Detonating the bombs. They said that this was His will. They did it in His name. But if there is one thing I am certain of above all, it is that my God is a God of perfect LOVE. There is absolutely no way that a loving God would approve of such crimes against humanity - and to think so is utter and complete blasphemy! And if you don't believe me, just listen to the Vicar of Christ, Papa Francisco. 

"Such barbarity leaves us dismayed and we ask how the heart of man can conceive and realize such horrible events that have not only disturbed France but also the whole world [...] In the face of such intolerable acts, one cannot but condemn the unqualifiable affront to the dignity of the human person. To use the name of God to justify the path of violence is blasphemy." - Pope Francis 

These acts were tears in the eyes of God. But if our God would not condone violence, why does He not step in? Why doesn't He stop these things from happening? Surely if He is so powerful, He could smite evildoers and prevent all this loss - Why does He let us suffer so? If God is love, and love is willing perfect good for another, why do bad things happen to good people?

Two words. Free will. Yes is it true, God is all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him! He could do all those things if He wanted to. But at the dawn of creation, He chose to give us free will out of love, so that we may chose to love him freely and wholeheartedly in all that we think, say, and do. But remember what happened as a result? Sin. All suffering and evil in this world is a result of mankind's failings - not God's.

The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine, they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Luke 23:35-37

Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads, and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, [and] come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Matthew 27:39-43

On the cross, Jesus was laughed at. Spat upon. Ridiculed and mocked. They challenged His power, and they wanted proof. They wanted a spectacle. Yet He looked upon them with love and said to His Father, "forgive them, for they know not what they do." He did not save Himself, knowing full well He could. Instead of taking Himself down from the cross, He endured every agonizing second with humility and endless love. He didn't save Himself because He knew that His death gave the chance at life for millions of faithful...if they chose to love Him. Loving God is a CHOICE. And with that choice to love Him back, comes the choice of loving others and ourselves.

"Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having."        - C.S. Lewis

His Love for us, however, does NOT promise us a life without suffering. Suffering is guaranteed. Instead, He promises us comfort in affliction and everlasting peace in uncertainty. He promises that he will be there for us ALWAYS to be our rock and stronghold. It's up to us to decide how to respond in times of pain. It is up to us to trust in Him, or forsake Him. 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

"...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

So...what happened in Paris? Where was God?

I say to you that God was weeping for love of the shooter. God was weeping for love of the man who was dying a nonbeliever. God was weeping for love of those who had loved him all along. Make no mistake, friends.

God was there.