Jn 16:5–11
But now I am going to the One who sent me, and none of you asks me where I am going; instead you are overcome with grief, because of what I have said.
Believe me, it is better for you that I go away, because as long as I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go away, I will send him to you, and when he comes, he will vindicate the truth before a sinful world; and he will vindicate the paths of righteousness and justice.
What is the world’s sin, in regard to me? Disbelief. What is the path of righteousness? It is the path I walk, by which I go to the Father; and you shall see me no more. What is the path of justice? It is the path on which the prince of this world will always stand condemned.
REFLECTION
The first earthquake in Palestine took place in the reign of Ahab. Another occurred in Uzziah’s kingship. The miraculous earthquake happened at Christ’s death. The frequency of major earthquakes has increased about 20 times during the two thousand years before 1914, according to New Earth (1984, p. 23). However, the former president of the Seismological Society of America counteracted: “Certain religious groups are misled by the increasing number of small earthquakes that are being catalogued and listed by newer, more sensitive stations throughout the world” (C. F. Richter December 1969).
Living in earthquake prone areas, such as California’s San Andreas fault, puts one on edge. No one can surely predict when the big tremor is going to happen. Yet doomsdays soothsayers use this ploy to terrify gullible people to gain converts to their religion or for economic gain. There’s no reason to minimize the disastrous effects of earthquakes on life and property. One can draw a lesson out of this phenomenon: God’s presence. His angel stays with us, especially in time of need. We should not think of God only when tragedy hits. Don’t wait for the hearse to take you to church. Make Hay While The Sun Shines!
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