My last article contained some personal reflections made in light of the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Later that same day, August 29, Hurricane Katrina struck with fury the Gulf Coast. We all know something of the tragic consequences.

The intense suffering of so many thousands of people is almost too much to fathom. But, it is not difficult for any of us to identify with the near hopelessness and dire circumstances of so many people. Yet, once again, the great goodness of people not directly affected has been revealed and unleashed. Tragedy has a way of bringing the best out of us.

The concern and response of people everywhere has been impressive. I am deeply touched by the great generosity of all of you, and of people of our area in general. As was true for the tsunami relief, the recent collection taken up in our parishes for hurricane relief through Catholic Charities USA has had spectacular results. Many local people have found countless other ways, too, to help alleviate the dreadful suffering of so many. And, of course, we are all “storming” heaven with prayer. As your Bishop, I commend you and thank you. As Catholic Christians, our witness and light should be right out there in front.

I am sure that John the Baptist would say so. Certainly, Jesus, our Savior did: “By this shall they know that you are my disciples, if you love one another...as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

As I write this, my thoughts are on the Church’s feast of “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross,” September 14. Christ freely laid down his life for us, to save us. Through the cross of Christ we, too, have triumphed.

In response to Katrina, we are all trying to help, striving to “lay down our lives” in diverse ways so that those so devastated might gradually be raised up. The ravages of this natural disaster are not themselves good, yet good will most surely come of the tragedy.

Of the countless victims, fortunately most will not stay “victims” for long. Even though our culture has unhealthy ways of encouraging “victimhood,” most people, in time, and with a bit of help, will build new lives. Human nature is amazingly resilient and divine grace lends powerful assistance.

Again, the more difficult crosses that we carry are those things and aspects of our lives that we don’t (or can’t) control. Surprises, changes, and adaptations are thrust upon us. Our comforts, “givens,” and “entitlements” are suddenly stripped from us. We initially resist, perhaps even panic. But then we regroup and slowly rebuild. Our faith supports us all the way. Friends and family — and others — stand by us. Often, the end result turns out to be, in one way or another, a blessing. Whatever the reverses and challenges, we go forward with hope and resolve.

Whether, as a society, we learn and profit from natural disasters and other tragedies is less clear. Our common memory is very short. We rarely seem able to make wise provision for the forces of nature. We are all share in the complicity, I suppose. Let us pray that it will be different this time, even as we continue to pray for and assist the many victims of Hurricane Katrina!

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