In the wake of the recent violence that has gripped our nation, many have been left with the question: Why does God let this happen? Let’s answer that question with all honesty. The blame does not belong to God; rather, the blame lays at our feet. God entrusted this world to us. We are called to be stewards of this world and what have we done by way of stewardship?
When I read that New York’s highest court is entering a motion to declare person status on an elephant, I am left wondering. When a California judge declared a bumble bee is a fish, I am left wondering. When certain states have filed bills that would permit legalizing the death of newborns 7 days or more after birth, I am left wondering. When many states already have in place assisted suicide and euthanasia laws, I am left wondering. When people introduce theories and seek to alter what God has created, I am left wondering. When people see others depressed, anxious, alone, and distraught and do nothing about it, I am left wondering. When some ignore the cries for help of others and relinquish their responsibilities as parents and teachers, I am left wondering. When we spend time, money, and energy defending animals and plants rather than defending human beings, I am left wondering. When a draft of the Supreme Court’s presumed decision regarding Roe v. Wade was leaked and a barrage of violence, anger, and threats leveled against the Court, the Pro-Life movement, and the Catholic Church were promoted and accepted, I am left wondering.
Unfortunately, this list continues on and on. You see God did not do this, we are simply reaping the fruits of our failures and our misguided desires. When I was younger, I realized that many of my choices were not good. I said to myself one day: “this is not working, I need to change course.” As a nation, for decades we have been following a path of failure which has not been working. Perhaps we need to change course. We have followed our own whims and desires, and look where we stand now.
Meaningful discussions on the current polarized and violent atmosphere of our nation will never take place unless we address the most basic reality of the dignity of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. We need to turn to God on this Trinity Sunday and learn from the Trinity how to dwell in unity. It begins first with respect for God and following the path He has carved out for us.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne