"Ask a Marian with Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC"

Snippet from Marian Helper. Winter 2011 - 2012

www.marian.org .

Or: email ask@marian.org.


"Q: Are the recent natural disasters we've had a sign of God's judgment for our sins?"


A. Father Joe first answers negatively from the Gospel of John Chapter 9 -- where Jesus heals "a man who was born blind.

"The disciples assume that the blindness is a punishment for sin.

"In this case, it seems that the man was born blind so Jesus could manifest God's glory through his eventual healing.

"This Scripture passage teaches us that not every physical condition, sickness, or natural disaster is a punishment from God for sin..."

BUT!

"At the same time, there is another Gospel passage that teaches us to observe the signs of the times (see Luke 12:54 - 56).

"Later in the same Gospel, Jesus warns of frightening signs that are to come before the Son of Man returns in judgment."

He now quotes Jesus' warning:

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves (Luke 21:25)

"Our Lord then tells us to be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

"God alone knows the full reason why anything bad happens in the world.

"However, the sheer number of terrible storms and calamities that we have experienced recently has certainly gotten our attention.

"Jesus teaches us to not grow drowsy and to be caught off guard.

"Since God has gotten our attention, let's turn to our Lord who is so merciful and ask Him daily for the gift of conversion..."

Way to go, Father Joe! :)