Will God stop calamity, contagion and conflict?

THAT life-and-death question is ringing across our nation, most loudly for victims of recent storms and, perhaps, among devout Catholics profoundly pondering the September 8 Mass verses for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah (Is 35:4–7) declares: "Thus says the Lord: 'Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.'"