He said: Today I would like to stop our conversation. I was very upset by what happened in the last few days: I mean the abhorrent attack on a group of Christians at the road to Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor again; seven of them lost their lives and six of them were from one family. I feel as though questions surround me from all directions, Why does God allow these terrible events? What will its executor gain? Are they naivety enough that they think they will end Christianity and get rid of Christians or is it as some say that it because our blood is cheap?
I was quiet for a little time, then I answered, you know that we speak about life and on the path of life, you will find some who attach a positive meaning like hope, joy and peace and goal to each step they take. On the contrary, there is those who stop at the same path to strip others their right of life whether physically or psychologically. In fact, nothing happens in this life with God’s permission.
So, why God allows such catastrophes? In the beginning, God is the Pantocrator; He is the Ruler of the entire universe including people, time and events. He permits distresses, hardships and suffering to take place, but He turns all these matters to great good and uncounted blessings. As Bible says, ” Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite”. If your question is about the significance of God’s permission of letting disasters happen to innocent and simple people who do not wish for anything in life but to spend their days in peace and love for all, I think it’s a message to all people.
First: It is a message about those whom God chose to become martyrs. Martyrdom is not for all, but for those whom God chose for their pure life, so they become glorified by Him and receive eternal life, peace and comfort as the status of martyrs is so great before God as for their wounded families, God offers them heavenly condolence and a very special message: I become Your Father, Your Guardian and Your Shepherd more than before. I will not leave you sad and broken hearted. But I will strengthen your heart amid your agonizing pain, and bring you peace that is the world does not know about; peace beyond minds!
Second, there is a message for every slackening and lukewarm and reluctant person. The message urges him to be totally prepared and to pray fervently and have a serious spiritual struggle. I recall what someone told me, “In fact, I feel that I should pray fervently and be prepared as I do not know where or when the next incident will be”. Such incidents drive people to enter into a deep spiritual life obtaining the mind of martyrs and their loving hearts of God.
Third: It is a message for sinners and all the far from God for they have to offer true repentance and life here is not eternal but it is a temporary stage that we all will cross one day.
Fourth: It is a message to those who terrorized others, all their supporters, the ones who witness such incidents and even the whole world and this is when they see the strength, steadfastness and boldness of the martyrs along with their love and modesty that become the best proof on their greatness; What have you done when the hand of injustice was stretched to crush the innocent and strip them out of their right of life. God will hold accountable every man according to his deeds, good or evil. As for the blood of martyrs, even if it may seem cheap in the eyes of men, they scream to God from earth and He will definitely hear and answer them.