By Christina Bagaglio-Slentz
Arguably, environmental catastrophe challenges our faith like few other earthly circumstances. As we have witnessed in Los Angeles, dynamics of our physical world sometimes produce tragic results for humanity.
Particularly, the poor and socially vulnerable suffer the most. Many lack the knowledge or capacity to protect themselves from hazardous impacts, and not everyone can flee an incoming threat.
Employers may not grant leave until it is too late to grab valuable items, or people may not be able to afford a hotel or have family or friends who can house them. Some folks live in “ecologically marginalized” regions, generally lower-income neighborhoods characterized by higher environmental exposure and risk.
Increasingly, good insurance is expensive with costs projected to continue rising.
Understandably, amidst such devastation, we might question: Why does God allow natural disasters to happen?
Those who are spared might wonder why and feel frustration. We might be tempted to cast blame when compassion is what is needed. As ancient Scripture shows, it is important for us to acknowledge our grief, and it is okay to be sad and angry. It is natural to need comfort and, at some point, we will be ready to see the light of hope and renewal.
A Journey of Grief and a Glimmer of Hope
In times of great loss, words often fail to convey sufficiently the depth of our emotions. Poetry and music, however, can bring meaning to our expression. The Old Testament Book of Lamentations, written to express the grief brought forth by the Babylonian exile from Israel, is an excellent example. The book is comprised of five chapters, each formed by a 22-verse poem with the exception of the third chapter, which is formed of 66 verses. This lengthier centerpiece of the book offers a moving account of grief, memory of loss, and a moment of hope. Pausing from grief and recounted suffering, the author writes inverses 19-24:
“The thought of my affliction and my homelessness
is wormwood and gall!
My soul continually thinks of it
and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Our ancient poet continues praising God’s goodness for several verses before shifting to prayers for God’s help and a plea for mercy and restoration.
Faith, Hope and Love
As people of faith, even in the worst of times, we know God has not abandoned us, and this confidence undergirds our capacity to hope for a better future. As co-creators of the world, this hope enables us to perform acts of love. The Pacific Palisades fire destroyed Corpus Christi Church, however the tabernacle survived, a source of hope for many. It was almost unblemished!
How does this hope inspire you to act? How might you help the people of Los Angeles? What is your prayer of hope for these communities? If you are involved with an action to provide assistance or wish to send a prayer of hope, please send any images and your words to Christina Slentz at cslentz@sdcatholic.org by Feb. 18. We will feature your good work at our Creation Care booth at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress at the end of February.
