Why would God allow the hurricane to hit?

[CindyGia]

Before I go home for the long weekend, I wanted to say to you all God Bless you and keep you safe.

I don't have a home computer, nor television, nor a telephone, and even in my "sort of" simple and poor financial state, I still thank God for everything I have and continue to thank Him for everything that happens to me; good or bad.

We must all pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for these people everyday at 3:00pm. Remember the last words of the Divine Mercy chaplet Our Lord Jesus taught St. Faustina:...

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustable, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in DIFFICULT MOMENTS WE MIGHT NOT DESPAIR NOR BECOME DESPONDANT, BUT WITH GREAT CONFIDENCE, submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is love and mercy itself" - Amen.

Have a safe and blessed weekend all!

[Jennifer123]

Originally Posted by norbert

Why in the world should babies be dying, should families be devastated, should livelihoods be lost? What in the world is gained by that, God?

Why shouldn't these things happen to them? God tells us the good and bad will suffer alike, we are connected to each other and when one part suffers we all suffer. It's a horrible tragedy that these things have to happen but they do because of original sin and the gift of free will.

What is gained by suffering? Have you suffered in life? Have you never learned anything from your suffering? Have you ever touched a hot stove, suffered, but came through it knowing not to touch a hot stove again? Maybe told someone else that if you touch a hot stove they'll get burned and therefore saved someone else from suffering?

Why do people who aren't directly responsible for bad things suffer? Many many reasons, most of which are bad, but it's not God's fault that people act in a way that put others in danger.

God bless, submitted with love and respect.

[Jennifer123]

Originally Posted by TPJCatholic

I still stand with the notion that God must love us to care enough to discipline us...

Heb. 12:7-9

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!

[CindyGia]

ACT OF GOD DESTROYS NEW ORLEANS
DAYS BEFORE "SOUTHERN DECADENCE"



PHILADELPHIA - Just days before “Southern Decadence”, an annual homosexual celebration attracting tens of thousands of people to the French Quarters section of New Orleans, an act of God destroys the city.

“Southern Decadence” has a history of filling the French Quarters section of the city with drunken homosexuals engaging in sex acts in the public streets and bars. Last year, a local pastor sent video footage of sex acts being performed in front of police to the mayor, city council, and the media. City officials simply ignored the footage and continued to welcome and praise the weeklong celebration as being an “exciting event”. However, Hurricane Katrina has put an end to the annual celebration of sin.

On the official “Southern Decadence” website (www.SouthernDecadence.com), it states that the annual event brought in “125,000 revelers” to New Orleans last year, increasing by thousands each year, and up from “over 50,000 revelers” in 1997. This year’s 34th annual “Southern Decadence” was set for Wednesday, August 31, 2005 through Monday, September 5, 2005, but due to massive flooding and the damage left by the hurricane, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has ordered everyone to evacuate the city.

The past three mayors of New Orleans, including Sidney Barthelomew, Marc H. Morial, and C. Ray Nagin, issued official proclamations welcoming visitors to “Southern Decadence”. Additionally, New Orleans City Council made other proclamations recognizing the annual homosexual celebration.

“Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked city,” stated Repent America director Michael Marcavage. “From ‘Girls Gone Wild’ to ‘Southern Decadence’, New Orleans was a city that opened its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin. May it never be the same,” he continued.

New Orleans is also known for its Mardi Gras parties where thousands of drunken men revel in the streets to exchange plastic jewelry for drunken women to expose their breasts. This annual event sparked the creation of the “Girls Gone Wild” video series.

“Let us pray for those ravaged by this disaster. However, we must not forget that the citizens of New Orleans tolerated and welcomed the wickedness in their city for so long,” Marcavage said. “May this act of God cause us all to think about what we tolerate in our city limits, and bring us trembling before the throne of Almighty God,” Marcavage concluded.

“[God] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust”. (Matthew 5:45)

Link to press release: http://www.repentamerica.com/pr_hurricanekatrina.html

[Brad]

The French Quarter really could be great if it god rid of the sin.

The food, atmosphere, and music really is terrific when visiting during an "off" time and avoiding the seedy shops.

When I visited however, I did see a group of girl scouts on a "field trip" through the quarter, not far from Bourbon Street. I think God does have a limit to his tolerance. Tolerance of sin is not one of the Biblical virtues.

His mercy is so great, he spares the whole country in wiping out 1 city. There is plenty of decadence all over this land and in almost every living room that needs to be cleaned up.

[Chris Jacobsen]

Why would God allow the hurricane to hit? Why wouldn't God allow a hurricane to hit?

[Celeste88]

Originally Posted by nkelly

Good post GoldenArrow.

Everything that God does brings about good and that includes chastisement. Every good father needs to chastise his children now and again when they're not obedient. I know God is merciful but don't we need to ask for mercy first?

God's justice is Holy. Do we really think we can continue to offend God and get away with it? Chastisement is an act of Mercy to bring unruly children back to Him.

If most of us were good God fearing people, do we really think that
would allow such disasters to happen. We all need a wake up call!

God have mercy on us all!

NK.

So God has chosen to chastise the poor, sick and elderly people of New Orleans and the gulf states, not to mention innocent pets and wildlife? It seems the well to do got away or had their houses built on higher ground. I'm not sure why Nevada is still flourishing...with the gambling casinos and brothels, do you?

[CindyGia]

I believe that by God chastising the poor, sick, elderly, and innocent animals does bring about the compassion of the rich and worldly. If you actually take time to contemplate it -- 1) suffering in this life merits us for eternity, rather than going directly to hell for our sins when we die, God gives us the opportunity by suffering in this life to make amends for our sins. And New Orleans is a great city for sin - never mind right now Nevada and the west coast. In time, I'm sure, God will bring about some great chastisement on them as well. Then what will you have to say about that?
2) By bringing about such suffering to the poor, (and not only the "poor" but even to those who were upper middle class and who lost everything because their homes were considered by insurance companies to not be in a flood plain - and who also lost everything as well - God in His infinite wisdom, inspires the rich and well-to-do with compassion to offer their blessings to these poor souls, so that in return, their generosity will also merit their ultimate salvation. When it is time for them to be judged, at least their compassion and generosity to the poor and destitute in times like these will be a great merit for their souls.
You all must stop thinking like "humans" do and try to understand that God works in mysterious ways. His ways are not like yours or mine. He is infinitely omnipotent and great and we as lowly and wretched as we are in our sins, cannot understand why such things happen, but God knows exactly what He is doing. You must trust in God. What is wrong with you people? And you are Catholics? Where is your trust in God? Do you receive the Blessed Sacrament of Jesus in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity with these negative feelings about God? It's sacriligious! Think of what you are saying and realize that Satan is putting all these negative awful thoughts of God in your heads!

[mercygate]

Originally Posted by godsent

I dnt get why god would allow the big hurracaine katrina to hit and cause so much damage?...couldnt he have stopped it from happening?


What reason is there for it happening?

Well, for starters, we built a significant city several feet below sea level on a hurricane-vulnerable seacoast.

Now, is the problem that God allowed the hurricane to strike, or is the problem that we placed ourselves in the path of trouble -- and once we figured out the risk, we failed to build adequate defenses against the storm surge?

[Brad]

Originally Posted by CindyGia

I believe that by God chastising the poor, sick, elderly, and innocent animals does bring about the compassion of the rich and worldly. If you actually take time to contemplate it -- 1) suffering in this life merits us for eternity, rather than going directly to hell for our sins when we die, God gives us the opportunity by suffering in this life to make amends for our sins. And New Orleans is a great city for sin - never mind right now Nevada and the west coast. In time, I'm sure, God will bring about some great chastisement on them as well. Then what will you have to say about that?
2) By bringing about such suffering to the poor, (and not only the "poor" but even to those who were upper middle class and who lost everything because their homes were considered by insurance companies to not be in a flood plain - and who also lost everything as well - God in His infinite wisdom, inspires the rich and well-to-do with compassion to offer their blessings to these poor souls, so that in return, their generosity will also merit their ultimate salvation. When it is time for them to be judged, at least their compassion and generosity to the poor and destitute in times like these will be a great merit for their souls.
You all must stop thinking like "humans" do and try to understand that God works in mysterious ways. His ways are not like yours or mine. He is infinitely omnipotent and great and we as lowly and wretched as we are in our sins, cannot understand why such things happen, but God knows exactly what He is doing. You must trust in God. What is wrong with you people? And you are Catholics? Where is your trust in God? Do you receive the Blessed Sacrament of Jesus in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity with these negative feelings about God? It's sacriligious! Think of what you are saying and realize that Satan is putting all these negative awful thoughts of God in your heads!

I like all of what you said except the "What is wrong with you people" part.

We all have something wrong and need further conversion and understanding.

Patience.

[CindyGia]

I pray daily for the virtue of patience. It's one of the virtues I just don't seem to grasp. People, even though I know they are the image of God, at times make me angry; especially when they "accuse" God of everything bad that happens but pat themselves on the back for the blessings they receive in life. People believe, even most Catholics, that life should always be an "easy street" and that's not what life is about or what salvation is about. Jesus showed us the way. It's by suffering, penance, mortification, humility, meekness and most of all loving each other. In disasters like this, the love that truly resides in our hardened hearts for our neighbor comes to full fruition! This is only brought about by the grace of God! We must thank our loving God for all that He sends us, whether by disasters or blessings. It's all from His hand and we must always trust in Him and thank Him. Look at how millions of people are coming to the front lines to help these people! People are offering their homes, their money, the time, their help and support, and love! This merits souls in this lifetime so that on judgment day, God's hands are tied to not throw us into hell, because of the mercy we showed each other during catastrophic times.

But you are right, I should not let my mouth speak before I have cast off my impatience and anger.

[Brad]

Originally Posted by CindyGia

I pray daily for the virtue of patience. It's one of the virtues I just don't seem to grasp. People, even though I know they are the image of God, at times make me angry; especially when they "accuse" God of everything bad that happens but pat themselves on the back for the blessings they receive in life. People believe, even most Catholics, that life should always be an "easy street" and that's not what life is about or what salvation is about. Jesus showed us the way. It's by suffering, penance, mortification, humility, meekness and most of all loving each other. In disasters like this, the love that truly resides in our hardened hearts for our neighbor comes to full fruition! This is only brought about by the grace of God! We must thank our loving God for all that He sends us, whether by disasters or blessings. It's all from His hand and we must always trust in Him and thank Him. Look at how millions of people are coming to the front lines to help these people! People are offering their homes, their money, the time, their help and support, and love! This merits souls in this lifetime so that on judgment day, God's hands are tied to not throw us into hell, because of the mercy we showed each other during catastrophic times.

But you are right, I should not let my mouth speak before I have cast off my impatience and anger.

You do have some great things to say.

[CindyGia]

Thanks Brad. Hey, here's something else that might be of interest to you or anybody you may know. Check this out. Maybe if you have a ton of friends, you may want to cut and paste into an email and send it to them. I just got sent this from the Monastery in Utah. I wanted to get it out to as many people as possible.


Moderators and freecyclers: Here is some info on animals being rescued from the affected areas of Hurricane Katrina. I recieved this from my sister who deals with rescue animals so I consider it trustworthy. It sounds from the message that they are looking for good homes for these animals, and may be able to deliver the animals almost directly to their new homes.

FWD:
Please cross post-
SUPER URGENT - PLEASE HELP THE ANIMALS - HURRICANE KATRINA
Woman in Norwalk, CT is helping the animals in Jackson, Missisippi
She has asked for our help, networking or otherwise. PLEASE SEND THIS ALL OVER,
IT IS EXTREMELY URGENT - TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE DISPLACED, LOST, CONFUSED,
STRAY AND FORMER PETS WHO HAD HOMES AND OWNERS.
There are over 200 dogs and over 150 cats so far that is from Hurricane Katrina.
They have been put in one TEMPORARY place for now. I am told every one of them
has had vaccinations and are in fine health, other than some scratched up some,
lost, sad, confused and hungry. There are people there who are ready and
waiting to drive these dogs and cats to ANYWHERE they need to go, I repeat,
ANYWHERE, they will transport them ANYWHERE.
Please, I know every one of us are overloaded, over whelmed, totally filled up
and then some, especially during the holiday weekend and all. But those animals
are all homeless - some are strays - but most of them were ones left behind and
some their owners have died.
I am told there are dogs and cats of every single color, every kind, including 2
poodles who are huddled with each other, many, many more animals that need
places to go.
They said they can hold on to them for a bit longer, not sure how much longer
and said MANY of them will have to be EUTHANIZED if they are not taken
somewhere soon.
PLEASE SEND THIS ALL OVER, PLEASE -
CONTACT THIS PERSON DIRECTLY, it does not matter what time, middle of the nite,
it does not matter, please help these poor precious animals. PLEASE SEND THIS
ALL OVER FOR DAYS, JUST KEEP SENDING IT EVERYWHERE. DO NOT STOP. THANK YOU.
They are also asking for ANY kind of donations for the animals, money, dog / cat
food, etc.
REMEMBER THESE ANIMALS WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO YOU - TO YOUR FRONT DOOR JUST
ABOUT. PLEASE HELP - they are trying to send some photos.
Contact Lynda V. at 203 515 3024 (cell)
her home 203 227 5308
her email is Lynda@portone.com
Pam, Judy, and Toby
Houndy and Lumpy, too forever in my heart, ATB

[pfoos]

To quote St Augustine: "God does not cause Evil to happen, but he causes that it not become the worst"

If God allows a wake up call, we shouldn't look as to why a certain place or city gets hit. These things effect us all. But more importantly, are we awake now? Are we praying? Are we helping our brothers and sisters in CHRIST? We all spend too much time sinning. We need to spend more time praying and fasting. Our Lady says prayer and fasting can prevent wars!

Let us all get busy!

[kellyb32]

UMMMM..........Just a little something to chew on courtesy of www.CatholicExchange.com 's daily word of encouragement. You can sign up for this daily email for free. I got this yesterday (tuesday sept. 6):


Tribulation can be a blessing!
-------------------------------

Deuteronomy 4:30-31
When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the
latter days, you will return to the LORD your God and obey his voice,
for the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not fail you or destroy
you or forget the covenant with your fathers which he swore to them.



--------------------
When Israel first entered the Promised Land, they were given solemn
promises and warnings: promises that if they obeyed the covenant with
Moses they would be blessed and warnings that if they disobeyed, they
would suffer for it. And sure enough, the promises and warnings were
fulfilled in the history of Israel. But there was a curious imbalance
between the promises and warnings. If blessings were received they were
merely blessings. But if punishment took place it was not merely a curse.
It was another sort of blessing (albeit a painful one) aimed at
bringing Israel back to God. It began to look like, no matter how you sliced
it, God wanted to bless Israel. It's the same with us. Even our
trials and tribulations are merely another way in which God sends us his
goodness, even the terrible goodness of being conformed to the image of
Christ Crucified. And such goodness means we are not abandoned or mocked
in our moments of pain. We are closer than ever to him who loved us
through the death of the Cross and on into the miracle of the
Resurrection—-a miracle we shall share as certainly as the sun rises in the
morning if we remain faithful to Christ Crucified.