There is much to despair about in this world–pain and suffering seems to be part of every day life. In Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines, one young girl asked him, “Why is God allowing such things to happen, even if it is not the fault of the children? And why are there only very few people helping us?”
And he couldn’t answer. “Glyzelle is the only one who has put a question to which there is no answer,” Pope Francis said, “and she wasn’t able to express it in words, only in tears.”
“Why do children suffer so much?” he asked. “When the heart is able to ask itself and cry, then we can understand.”
We despair about the difficult questions: why is there evil and suffering? Why do good people suffer? Will there be an end to violence? Will there be peace?
I enjoin you to read what Gandhi wrote many years ago. We need to take a longer view of things– a view that goes beyond your own feelings and your own life and the life of your family, to take on the view of God.
1. From that higher, longer perspective, what is the story about? Where is history headed?
2. Pray that you learn to trust THAT bigger story even if your own story seems to be headed nowhere.
When I Despair
Mahatma Gandhi – early 20th century
When I despair,
I remember that all through history
the ways of truth and love have always won.
There have been tyrants, and murderers,
and for a time they can seem invincible,
but in the end they always fall.
Think of it – always.
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