How often we find ourselves or hear others complaining against God when they experience sufferings at the hands of others or some calamity happens in their lives. In their minds God should have protected them, if he is a loving God. “God, what did I do to deserve this cross?”

 

How often have we sinned against God in different ways? Does God punish us each time? Do we deserve punishment? St. Augustine said: “God may well reply, ‘what you are suffering is not damnation but correction.’” God is not angry with you. He loves you and is concerned about your eternal life.  We read in Proverbs 3:12: ‘He chastises every son whom he loves.” 

 

We deserve punishment for our sins, but he chastises and purifies us through the events of life, those we have no control of. If he didn’t out of love, we would not be ready for eternal life with him. So instead of complaining, which changes nothing, we need to embrace the present moment of chastisement in gratitude for God’s love and mercy.