My husband and I stayed after Mass this morning to pray the Miraculous Medal Novena for the poor people of Joplin and other places struck by natural disasters. I know I will make some people mad by saying this, but our world has sowed the wind and now we are reaping the whirlwind -- literally. These mega-hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes are predicted as part of the chastisement. Read Matthew 24.
We are a sinful nation. The U.S. has been incredibly blessed and we have responded with contempt toward our Creator. Our sins have unleashed disasters. If you doubt that it's possible, consider the Blessed Mother warning the three little children of Fatima that World War I was a punishment for sin and that if mankind did not change there would be another worse war. It happened!
Can anyone look at us today and pretend that we are better than the people of the 1920s and '30s? Today we murder millions around the world by surgical and chemical abortions every year. So-called "contraception" dwarves those numbers killing millions more. Promiscuity, both homosexual and heterosexual, has turned many into rutting brutes. Divorce destroys families. Every week it seems there is another attack on Jesus and the Blessed Mother through obscene books, art shows, movies and plays. Mary said at Fatima that clothing would come into fashion that would offend her son very much. Watch Dancing with the Stars if you want an example.
We deserve the chastisement!
Joplin is no more guilty than any other place. Neither is Birmingham or New Orleans or any other city experiencing disasters. If God targeted evil places, I think Washington, D.C. would head the list. Joplin is Anytown, USA. They have (or had) their Planned Parenthood facility that offers the morning after pill and a local crisis pregnancy center that tries to save the babies and offers help to women. They have a Catholic church and school (St. Mary's) with adoration in the parish. Both were demolished and the pastor had to be dug out of the rubble after taking refuge in the bathtup of the rectory. Many protestant churches were destroyed as well.
The purpose of discipline is to call us to repentance. Pray and help the people of Joplin by choosing a worthy charity and donating money to the relief effort. But then help our poor country by falling on your knees and begging for mercy, especially through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God. If we don't change and convert look for more of the same.
