WHY?

I don't know why. I don't know why my dear friend has died - so suddenly, without warning, so young. His wife and children are very heartbroken. I can only trust that God has a plan in this. A couple weeks ago, after Saturday morning Mass and Confession, I visited the statue of Our Blessed Mother, Mary , Our Lady of Fatima. After praying to her, she said to me, "Give glory to God and see what He does next." Even though my heart is sorrowful and I find myself asking, "Why?" I am trying to be obedient to that message and give glory to God: " Thank You, Lord, that my friend has died. All glory and praise to Your Name. Thank You. I don't understand. It hurts. I don't understand, but I thank You, Lord and give glory and praise to Your Holy Name."

Why do wonderful people seem to die sooner than others? One reason, God gave to me through Scripture: "But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, not measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by Him, and while living among sinners he was taken up. He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore, He took him quickly from the midst of wickedness."

(Wisdom 4:7-14)

In the situation of my friend dying suddenly, this Scripture surely applies, for his soul couldn't have been anything but pleasing to God, his wife and children, as well. They are beautiful, holy people. This Scripture passage doesn't give every reason, but it does give us the consolation of one reason and it gives hope that there are other reasons, some that we do not know or understand yet, and some that we will never know or understand until we are in Heaven.

Oh, Lord! All glory be to Your Most Holy Name! Help us, Lord, to trust in You. Take our suffering, Dearest Lord, to give glory and honor to Your Most Holy Name!