Hello. I am sure we all have heard or read about the Burmese cyclone. At times like these, it helps to rehearse the basic principles of our Christian faith. Some of the religious leaders at the time of Christ saw most instances of mass human destruction and untimely death as God’s judgment against sinners. Christ condemned such uncharitable explanations, saying that those who so judge should repent of their hurtful attitudes. He said that victims of tragedy are not worse sinners than others. That life is unfair is part of the human condition. Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 tells us that "time and chance" happens to us all, "like fish taken in a cruel net." God does not plan out in advance all the details of our lives and then make them happen. Time and chance are part of the very fabric of the universe, the way God freely chose to make things. The Christian message is that through Christ’s wounds and sacrifice God understands our suffering and pain. As we pray for the survivors, we participate in Christ’s love and compassion for those who suffer. Prayer gives voice to love. Are those who perished lost to God? God reveals himself in the Bible as loving the world, and as sending his Son into the world not to condemn it but to save it (John 3:16‑17). If God is anything, he is mercy. "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). The answer to the question lies in the mercy of God. In Christ, we can rest in God’s word of faithfulness concerning his mercy and grace for all his creation, for all people, even for those who may die without yet having met Christ. Kind regards, James | Would you like to comment on
James' thought for the week? | 
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