Night

Today I read Night by Elie Wiesel. Searing.

This piece of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech is often quoted or tagged at the end of justice-minded people's emails and blogs:

"And that is why I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutraility helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion or political views, that place must-at that moment-become the center of the universe."

Just wanted to get that down for future reference and our general edification.

Now I'm wondering about the links between Wiesel's holocaust experience, Bernie's prolonged sickness and even my own situation. How does God expect people to deal with apparently, unanswered prayers and torturous delays for relief or rescue? Why does Auschwitz happen? Paul says something about how suffering produces perserverance, character and hope that does not disappoint. What about when it leads to apathy, bitterness and convictions that God is dead or powerless? I know this is nothing new under the sun. And I feel a little silly writing this because I'm not adding any bright insights to this problem of understanding pain, suffering and a good God. But I have yet to come to any peace of mind on the matter and am hoping to find something more solid.