Human Concerns

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We are dealing with tragedy. A teenager who was actively involved in the parish died unexpectedly and tragically.

As word spread throughout the parish, teens from our youth ministry, other children who are friends with his brothers and sisters and many adults immediately gathered at his house to support by prayer and presence his parents, grandparents and siblings.

His family and everyone who knew him are in shock. Shock because this death came without warning. Shock because this young man, a member of a warm and loving family, a committed and faithful family, took his own life.

What Can We Say?

There are things that need to be said. And they need to be said in the widest forum possible.

First, we are all sad. This death is tragic and senseless. But, we will continue to pray that God will raise up all those who have died to newness of life in the resurrected Christ.

Second, this young man has every bit a chance to enter his heavenly reward—as much as any other committed Christian. An older theology, one that we no longer believe, said that those who commit suicide cannot go to heaven. The Church teaches that God is compassionate. Someone who takes their own life does so because they are under a lot of stress or pressure. Or, they simply do so because of a mistake, an error of judgment. God isn’t going to condemn any of us because we make a mistake.

Third, we don’t really know what this young man intended. Perhaps he didn’t intend to take his own life and for things to turn out the way they did. Perhaps it just got out of control. Regardless, the result is unfortunate and tragic.

Fourth, teens (and adults) need to hear again and again that suicide is never the answer to the problems of life. There aren’t any problems too big that we can’t solve with God’s help, the help of our parents, families, friends, professionals, clergy or a combination thereof. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Whatever it is that we are having trouble with, there are many people willing to help us—we just need to acknowledge we need some help.

Fifth, what happened is not a reflection on this young man’s family or any member of it. They are good and kind. They are very close and loving. Accidents happen. Mistakes are made. Even the best of families can experience tragedy and hurt.

A Feeling of Helplessness

In the face of tragedy, people feel so helpless. We humans are constantly needing to act, to do something, to take charge of our lives—precisely because life is so fragile.

Teens and adults need to know that if they want to talk about these tragedies, the parish staff is available. In addition, we are organizing a workshop on the phenomenon of suicide for all who are interested. It will be held sometime soon, in September or early October.

The staff has references available for people who are in need of professional counseling.

Where Is God?

A natural reaction to this kind of horror is for believers to question the existence or the power of God. How can God permit this kind of thing to happen? How can God allow any evil to exist in this world?

A sensitive and wise person would take a deep breath and pause before attempting to answer the question of why a good God permits any kind of suffering. But, after bowing mutely before the mystery of our living and dying, we must acknowledge that we are thinking creatures and have to wrestle with this. We’ve got to try and think our way through it.

Divine Response

One of the things that drives me nuts is to hear people say that “God takes” this person or that, in other words, God would rather a person be with him then here, with us. I understand that someone who talks this way is trying to put a faith perspective on tragedy. They are speaking words of faith. But these kinds of words only begin to hint at the power and scope of God’s response to the human condition.

God does not desire us to suffer or to die. The realities of suffering, death and evil exist because we have been given free will by God.

God weeps with us over the death of our young. God weeps with us over all the suffering and evil in the world. And God has responded through his only Son.

Jesus suffered a horrible death on the cross and died just as we all die. God chose to experience everything we experience (except sin) in order to ultimately conquer suffering, death and evil.

God cares for us and God powerfully provides for us a new, risen life in Christ. We are inheritors of an immense hope and we will not be disappointed, in spite of the difficulties, the crushing tragedies and the unbelievable burdens imposed upon us by a fallen, broken world.

The resurrection beckons.

From the St Julie Billiart Parish Bulletin