Lives have been lost and buildings - including, according to reports, churches - and possessions have been destroyed. It is so tempting to give in to despair in such situations. When all seems apparently lost and that loss seems so senseless, who can blame anyone for feeling hopelessly alone? Many might wonder where God was during this cataclysm.

But let not the message of Holy Week be forgotten.

Buildings and possessions can be repaired or renewed. They are simply things, replaceable products of man's ingenuity and skill. Lives, on the other hand, are products of God. The message of Holy Week, culminating in Easter, is that lives too are renewed and repaired. Those living are renewed and repaired by the sacrifice Our Lord made on our behalf. Those dying are renewed and repaired by admission into Heaven that we are promised due to our hope and our belief in the salvation offered by Christ.

Let us pray for the souls of those who have died in such anguish, that they may swiftly be forgiven of their sins and may enter into the fullness of the joy of being with our Risen Lord. For them, Easter has come early. May our prayers also gain for us the grace and the determination to work, in this life, for the salvation of all in our world, to relieve suffering and bring about peace, and by these works may we also gain the joy of being with Our Lord whenever our time comes.

Eternal rest, Oh Lord, grant unto those who have died. Let your perpetual light of love shine upon them. May their sins be forgiven and may they rest in peace in your loving embrace forever.