Armodoxy for Today: Not necessarily making sense or not necessary to make sense

The death of a child is one of the most difficult and tragic events with which we must come to terms. As priests we are called to minister to people in their hardest and most difficult hour. Naturally people look for answers because we appreciate and want to have order in our lives. Not only is there a physical and emotional loss for family members touched by this devastation, but the natural rhythms of life have gone topsy turvy because a child is expected to bury his or her parents and not the other way around.

It’s at these times that, if we are honest with ourselves, we realize and understand that certain events have no rhyme nor reason. Sure, we may wish to comfort one another with logic and well-meaning statements such as, “She is no longer suffering,” or “He’s enjoying those who came before him in the perfection of life.” The reality is that words are inadequate to console and, perhaps, unnecessary.

Sometimes we’re called to make sense out of the senseless, when actually, as the adjective implies, there are no words that can do so. You cannot explain away hatred that causes people to kill and commit the horrendous evil of Genocide. You cannot describe the terror felt by children and their parents who are in the middle of a war. And you can’t explain away disease that raises havoc for a family. Just as you cannot describe or comprehend the suffering of Christ on that hill, at the hands of his children who chanted “Crucify Him,” and then drove nails through the hands that only days before healed them.

Armodoxy asks that you look at the short burial service of the Armenian Church. It is one which was developed throughout the centuries for the people of Armenia, people who were innocent but given a death sentence they could not escape. The service is one of reconciliation and acceptance of Christ’s healing words, come to me all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

We pray, “Lord, my God, I am ready to grow in your love. While I don’t understand all that unfolds in life, open my heart so that I may react with compassion, care and love to the difficulties around me. Amen.”

Cover Photo: Light Undefined, 2019 Fr. Vazken