Lord God Almighty,
Creator of the heavens and the earth
help us to understand and put into perspective
the terrifying tragedies, sufferings and deaths
caused by natural disasters.

We do not believe, as in times past,
that these calamities are brought down on particular
countries or communities as divine vengeance
against them, as if they were modern-day
Sodoms and Gomorrahs.

Rather we see them as reminders to all God's people
of Your power, Your wrath
against general sins of the world,
and as Your admonition that we not lay up
for ourselves treasures here on earth,
where the thief breaks in,
and the moth consumes.

Let us always pray, dear God, for the people affected
by these calamities of nature, and let us be quick
to offer what aid and succor we can.

Help us to understand these inscrutable,
and seemingly heartless events,
in the long perspectives of history and eternity.

Those who suffer and those who die,
may merit eternal life
specifically through the salvific merit
of heroically enduring these tragedies
and supporting their fellow men and women
in the process.

Those who come to the aid of others
are heroes and saints.

Let us never presume to blame You as a wrathful God
for we know that Your ways, Lord, are mysterious
and cannot be fully comprehended by us in this life.
We are Your creations, to do with as You will.

Certainly we can see that in time the fires,
the earthquakes, the long-suffering illnesses
do come to an end.
Let us be surely confident
that all sorrows will be forgotten
if eternal happiness is gained.

Help us, God, Master, Lord Creator of the Universe,
to accept the trials of life along with the joys
of life and to know that ultimately we are safe, eternally, in Your loving care.

We will carry on.
One of the most memorable photographs I remember
from the flood not so long ago in New Orleans
was of a smiling elderly woman volunteer:
She was passing out groceries at a Red Cross station,
although her own home had been destroyed
by the waters. I believe her faith in You
had made her whole.

We believe, Oh Lord. Help us in our unbelief.

Amen.

(c) 2011 - Donn B. Murphy

Photo - Upturned House - JapanItUp!
Photo - Dog - Alex Brandon-Times-Picyune

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