Coronavirus as the Chastisement of God

   There have been several recent articles about whether this pandemic is a chastisement from God for the sins and immorality of the world.  Some have been reasoned in their attitude, suggesting the possibility, while others have been written with apparent certainty that God has sent this crisis to chastise the world.

   When I read or hear someone speaking as if they have certain knowledge of God’s mind and purpose it raises many questions.  On whose authority are they claiming knowledge of the mind of God?  Why is this event a chastisement from God when others are not?  What are the criteria for something being from God with the purpose of chastisement?

   If this is God’s chastisement, what about the Bubonic Plague or earthquakes or tidal waves or hurricanes?  Are those also from God?  If not, who decides which ones are and on what authority?  Knowing what is and what is not God’s chastisement is impossible.  To speculate and consider the possibility is one thing but to say with certainty is, in my opinion, prideful arrogance.

   St. Augustine said, “If you understood him, it would not be God.”  St. Thomas of Aquinas agreed that it is beyond human ability to understand God.  What has changed that gives one the ability to truly know and understand God?  Were Augustine and Thomas wrong in their teaching?

   Are there lessons to be learned from events such as this pandemic?  Of course.  I pray that these times will help us better realize two things: our mortality and our desperate need of God in our lives.  If we can learn these truths and act upon them perhaps we can begin to change our world for the better.

Father, You are beyond our understanding.

Your thoughts and plans can’t be known to us.

Help us focus on what we can do.

Trust in You and serve You in all we do.

Amen