Calamities as seen through the eyes of faith

With reference to John Guillaumier’s letter ‘Misnomer of the Year’, everyone knows that along with heresy, we can expect calamities any moment. The population of the world will never see peace this side of heaven.

When an earthquake flattens a region in India, or a drought hits an African country or a tornado rips through a city in the US, it is more than a barometric or climate change. The universe is passing through the final hours before delivery because nature is a pregnant creation. Painful contractions are forecast.

The Bible, with reference to worse conditions, more terrifying scenario as the end of the world proclaims Jesus’ advice clearly, and unequivocally “See to it that you are not alarmed”. With such spiritual bailouts, worldwide persecution and ecological turmoil, bravery and faith are indispensible.

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reason for fear. Fear it seems has moved in next door and set up shop. But what if faith, not fear, was our default reaction to threats and calamities? This is too difficult for a cynic to comprehend.

When ecological catastrophes dominate the day, do not let them disturb you. Just take heart and take note of the words in Matt. 24:6-8.

“You will hear of wars and rumours of war but make sure you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

In such circumstances “keep your head and don’t panic”.

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev.2:10).

That is God’s promise. John Azzopardi Zabbar