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Boston Marathon Bombing - where is God?

With the bombings at the Boston Marathon today there's still a sense of shock that lingers.

That really happened today to a bunch of people running and those watching? It did.

We don't know why? No - we don't.

It's at times like these when people ask the tough questions of why? Why us? Why did it happen? Why did God/G-d/Allah/Higher Being let this happen?

As a pastor I get looked to for answers in times like these and my answer is "I don't know." It's simple and honest. I have no idea how someone or a group of people would think it's okay for whatever reason to kill and hurt so many people. I have no idea what brings about so much hate and anger.

Now to the harder why question as a pastor - why did God/G-d/Allah/Higher Being let this happen? I don't believe that God takes any delight in times like these. I don't believe that God wants any part of creation to do these things. I believe in a God that s so big that yes God could stop these things from happening. But God doesn't because God created us and promised his creation freedom and freewill. I believe in a God that hopes and encourages all of creation to choose the good, or at least the most good, in every situation. If God were to stop these events God would be breaking God's own word and essence.

So where is God in this mess here on earth? God is with those who are affected by these events. God is crying with those who cry. God is mourning with those who are mourning. God is giving thanks with those who are giving thanks for safety. God runs into terrifying situations with the first responders to support them. God is in the tears and fears. God is in the prayers and blessings spoken and on our hearts.

God is also in how we choose to respond on days like these. In God wanting creation to find the most good, God doesn't want creation jumping to conclusions and looking for stereotypes to blame. I believe that God is in those who choose to donate their time, talents and money to the groups who are responding (American Red Cross is a personal favorite agency). God is in those who go and check on a neighbor or loved one just an extra time. God is in the prayer services and candle lighting ceremonies. God is in our processing of these events and the asking of difficult questions.

It is my prayer that someday all of God's creation can stop asking why do these things happen because these things no longer happen. Amen.
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