In Part 1, we explored the forever heartbreaking loss of lives and dreams in the Story of the Challenger. This story prompted us to identify two questions we often ask ourselves when tragedy strikes.
“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”
Then, in Part 2, we read a few sections of the biblical narrative of the Story of Cain and Abel. There, we saw Divine intervention. God spoke directly to Cain. We learned that Cain was angry, which led us to believe that anger impacted his decision to kill his brother. We don’t know whether Cain’s anger was toward God, his brother, or perhaps both. Part 2 ended with the tricky question, “Why did God let this happen?” We will use this question as a springboard to further explore the sacredness that is so often found in tragedy.
The Essence of Sacredness
Let’s begin with sacredness.
Sacredness is hard to describe. But I’ll give it a go. Sacredness is how we identify something or someone that has been touched, directly or indirectly, by the Divine or the Divine appointed, like angels.
Did you know there are one hundred twenty-six references to “sacred” in The Bible? Here are a few of the thirty-one words described as sacred:
Sacred Stones
Sacred Gifts
Sacred Anointing Oil
Sacred Food
Sacred Gems
Sacred Cities
Sacred Mountains
Sacredness has something to do with worship, reverence, and holiness. Let’s look at this passage where God talks to Moses.
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5,8
Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and Jacob.”
At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Even tough the word “sacred” does not appear here, I would describe Moses’ experience as sacred. Would you? Moses was in God’s presence on Mount Sinai, where he stood on holy ground.
What Else is Sacred?
The Catholic Church has seven sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. Each of these experiences is sacred.
One might say that sacredness is part of the whole.
It is in life. It is in death.
And it is everything in between.
Sacred Ground
Sacredness lies within each of us.
Our ancestors made it possible for us to be on this earth. Whether we remember one, two, or three generations, they have influenced us. Their sacrifices were for us to have the life we have today. Let that sink in.
Their final resting place is on sacred ground. Why? Inside each of us is a tiny part of God. God is holy, and hence, by the laws of genetics, we are sacred, too.
Probing Questions
“Where does the sacredness reside in this story of Cain and Abel?”
What can we learn from this?
This story tells us the very nature of God. It is a snapshot from birth to death.
God creates Adam and Eve.
Eve gives birth to two sons.
God rejects Cain’s offering.
Cain murders Abel.
Cain lies to God.
God gives grace to Cain and shows him mercy.
Embracing the Mystery
Despite life’s adversities and unanswered questions, we find solace in God’s presence. Knowing God is with us in our trials and tribulations gives us peace. When we mourn, God mourns. When we are joyful, God is joyful. How we see God is how others see us. Let that sink in. Pause to reflect on that.
Like the birds in the air, God feeds them. And we are more valuable than birds. (Matthew 6:26)
As we reflect on family tragedies, The Challenger disaster, and other calamities, may we ask God to take away our pain and sorrow as we grapple with these life-and-death questions.
Our human mind can’t fully understand the Divine, and that is okay. That is where the sacredness lies. A mystery, if you will. Continue to ask questions. The very question of existence may just reveal itself to you.
In Part 4, we will look at the Story of Noah through the eyes of the sacredness of tragedy.
#Cain&Abel #Sacredness #Tragedy #LifeQuestions
I and Thou Reflections 