Since the tragic earthquake in Haiti, I've been engaged in coordinating Florida's response in providing relief. Florida is in a unique position to provide relief because of our geographic proximity to Haiti: all flights entering the continental U.S. must land in Florida and most of the volunteers and donations leaving the US and bound for Haiti are being sent through Florida's airports and ports.
Words can't describe the privilige I have to witness the outpouring of support from Florida and the many partners I've work with during disasters as they mobilize for Haiti. America was truly rallying support and channeling its compassion to the poorest nation of the Western Hemisphere.
Then, Pat Robertson had to speak. I was so ticked beyond belief.... until last night.
One of my greatest heroes, Fr. Mike celebrated mass and his homily hit the nail on the head. During times of tragedy, we constantly ask ourselves why these things happen.
Is the event in Haiti punishment by God?
Our God is not a God of Punishment. In a tragedy like this, Fr. Mike told us to look upon Jesus curing the blind man in John 9. When his disciples asked whether the man's blindness was caused by his sin or the sin of his parents, Jesus replied it was neither. Jesus was there to do the work of the Father-- to be light through compassion and care. These natural events occur, and God intentionally leaves us without knowledge or source for such tragedy... consistent with the spirit of the Book of Job. However, this is the moment where we are called to be the light.
The earthquake in Haiti is not rooted in evil. Evil is the absence of God, and God IS PRESENT IN HAITI. The first reading from Sunday's mass certainly reflects this and how truly appropriate during this tragedy:
Is 62:1-5
For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch.
Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.
You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken,
“or your land “Desolate,
“but you shall be called “My Delight,
“and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land his spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.
I continue to pray that I become the light of God's presence to the Haitian people.
