Expert: Charlie B - 3/16/2011

Question
Hi,

I have a few questions.  The first is regarding the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Is it possible that God punished us for all the sin in the world?  Could it be a divine chastisement?  If not, could it be Satan's work?  If not, do we simply believe it was a random event?

My other questions concern diabetes.  I found out I have Type 2 diabetes about three years ago.  No one in my family has it.  Could it be that God gave me diabetes to punish me?  Could it be Satan that gave it to me or should I just blame myself?  I'm trying to understand why I got this disease.

Thanks!

Answer
Les, I found this on YouTube and thought we would answer this tough question better than I could -- Father Robert Barron on why God allows tsunami to occur & is it punishment?   See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8ZMkWL8hw
God bless,
Charlie
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Les,
Thanks for your questions.   To both questions, I'd personally answer "no" -- God didn't allow the tsunami to occur for punishment to the world and people of this island's eastern shore, nor is type 2 diabetes in your karma to punish you.  Why?

Faith is a mystery.  There's no doubt that God does provide justice to his people, a form of tough love.  And no, I don't think it's a part of Satan's work.  Bad things happen to good people, always has and always will occur.  To understand this more fully, consider why Jesus suffered, was crucified, died and rose from the dead.

Why did you get this disease?  Only the Lord knows for sure, and if it causes you to change aspects of your diet or lifestyle, that may be a good thing resulting from this disease.  So much of our current ailments have to do with the environment, food processing and additives to an extent that our science can't pinpoint cause-effect ... yet.  

Thus, go to Mass daily if possible.  Seek reconcilation and confession (it's Lenten season, after all).  Spend time in adoration if possible.  Increase your prayer life, your fasting if possible, and look to be charitable -- and you will be continued to be blessed.

Try this:  every evening before you retire and every morning as you rise, say "thanks" to God for your many blessings.  Have an attitude of gratitude, my friend.  Count your blessings, not your troubles.

Please complete an evaluation if the Spirit moves you.  Follow up questions or comments are welcomed.
God bless,
Charlie