The death of Our Lord

Today, as is common when praying the Divine Office for Fridays, I have been contemplating the first Good Friday. Particularly, I have been thinking and praying about suffering and not least those who suffer unjustly. Then I came upon this image on the blog maintained by Father James Farfaglia. You can read his blog here. What struck me about the image is the harsh reality of the scene depicted. Jesus' eyes are focused and yet seem bereft, lost, uncomprehending. Sad.

Why do bad things happen to good people? At seminary I was once advised that when you can say nothing constructive about suffering, then it's best to remain silent. There's truth in this, of course, but still our hearts question the justice of suffering. May God be with those who suffer this night and may He comfort them in their darkest hour. May He send his Angel to guard them and protect them and may they come safely home to the love of God.

Haiti

Continuing to follow the devastating news from Haiti this article from ICN brings home the devastating effects. Please continue to pray and also think about sending a donation.

CAFOD is a member of the Caritas Federation and received this communication from its partner CRS - CRS/Haiti staff this morning who are in the country to distribute emergency relief.

We are all accounted for except for two staff. They are probably fine, but out of phone reach close to Gonaives. We have a terrible problem with communications – only incoming calls. We tried to organize this morning and contact UN, OFDA and Caritas. We might be running out of supplies ourselves – water and food.

No organized rescue efforts yet– all done by individuals with bare hands. Damage incredible all around, but our offices seem fine. Some major buildings are gone – the hotel Montana, the National Palace etc.

All AA flights canceled until this weekend. UN has only 4 helicopters, two were seen early this morning doing surveys, otherwise no movement of any rescue vehicles / people. Most in a shock. …On radio stations only wild music.

People have been screaming and praying all over the place throughout the night. It is a disaster of the century, we should be prepared for thousands and thousands of dead and injured.

To donate to CAFOD see: cafod.force.com/donate?id=70180000000FgYo

Update: If you wish to post a cheque, please send to: CAFOD, Romero Close, Stockwell Road, London SW9 9TY However, please be aware that you need to stipulate that you want the money to go to Haiti. I was really shocked to read this report from Will Heaven at the Telegraph saying that CAFOD have taken his money but then allocated it to East Africa.

Suffering

Loving this quote from the Holy Father via Robert Colquhoun on the blog Love Undefiled:

"Even suffering is part of the truth of our life. Thus, trying to shield the youngest from every difficulty and experience of suffering, we risk creating, despite our good intentions, fragile persons of little generosity: The capacity to love, in fact, corresponds to the capacity to suffer, and to suffer together." ~Benedict XVI