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LIVING WELL | Scripture supports after disaster

Pratt
As Hurricane Ian closed in on Florida, then the southeastern coast of the United States, weather broadcasters offered a steady stream of expert advice on how to prepare.

Now that the storm is past, and we see how much damage and loss are left in the storm’s wake, some might feel bewildered about what to do next.

How can we help others cope with the hard work that lies ahead? How can we uplift, understand and encourage?

Three places in Scripture seem appropriate for reflection as we embrace those, however near or far, who have suffered greatly from any life-changing crisis.

The Book of Lamentations gives expression to a very human and necessary emotional response to the deep sorrow of loss. It shows us that crisis can appropriately (and faithfully) be met with open, expressed grief.

Flowing from the anguish suffered when Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar’s army in 587 B.C., the work begins with the simple word, “How.” We might understand that expression today, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, asking, “How could this happen?” or simply saying, as we see what has happened, “How terrible.”

Yet, as much as it expresses bare and raw grief, the Book of Lamentations does not end there. It rises and falls and rises again in lament, but nestled within the verses, especially in Lamentations 3, it expresses hope in God’s mercy and ultimate saving hand.

The second example from Scripture shows another response to surviving very serious crisis. In Exodus 14 and 15, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt, but they are not clear of danger as Pharaoh’s army pursues them.

God did not abandon the Israelites. In an act mightier than any pharaonic army could ever devise, God parts the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass safely to the other side, then drowns Pharaoh’s forces.

In the aftermath, Moses makes a sacrifice to God and leads the Israelites in praiseful song. His sister, Miriam, leads the Israelite women in song, too, thanking God in joyful worship.

Gratitude, praise, moments of joyful outburst: The Book of Exodus shows us how we might draw energy and hope out of a horrible ordeal.

The New Testament is also a place to find support in the aftermath of a crisis. In Acts, after Jesus’ crucifixion, the apostles and Jesus’ other followers could not have known what was going to happen next.

In Acts 1:4, Jesus tells His disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but stay and wait for “the promise of the Father,” and they did.

Staying close, sharing their faith and breaking bread together, the cluster of Jesus’ followers received the gift of the Holy Spirit and were sent forth, witnessing to the Good News.

The fellowship forged from crisis has been a blessing for centuries since.

Honest tears for what has happened, praise for light after the storm and gratitude for fellowship that helps us grow — these gifts from Scripture are support for today and in the days to come.

Maureen Pratt is a columnist for Catholic News Service. Her email is [email protected].

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