Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. - 8/11/2005

Question
A most loving Christian boy was just killed in Iraq one day after his 19th birthday. He read the 91st Psalm every day for comfort. (You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day). That psalm clearly promises protection to God's faithful, doesn't it? How can I reconcile those words with what actually happened to this boy, whom I know was faithful to God? How can I explain that to his parents?  

Answer
Hi... I am sorry for the delay in answering this. I've been away from the internet on a sort of spiritual retreat in the Canadian north.

As Catholics we're asked not to place too much emphasis on any one section or passage from scripture but to embrace the Word and Tradition as two branches of one sacred tree.

I am sure that reading the passage you mention gave the young man courage and comfort. But we must also remember that another man, Jesus, was blameless and yet was called to leave this world for a better one.

During my retreat I often thought of a young man I knew who was struck by lightning (and didn't survive) in the same area, some years ago. In my more contemplative moments I believed that I could feel his presence, something like an angel, helping me through the more challenging moments.

Perhaps you could just stress that we all have a time, and it's up to the Lord to call us whenever He seems fit. God's ways are mysterious. But through faith we believe that there is a purpose. It's not random. Nor is it meaningless. In the fullness of time we will see this more clearly. One just has to have faith.

Regards,

MC