From the Executive Director
by Amy L. Florian
As I write these comments, Hurricane Katrina has just caused tremendous devastation in Louisiana and Mississippi. Conversations are riddled with questions about suffering, pain, death, and God’s part in it all. In the face of such tragedy, there are no satisfactory answers. That would come as no surprise to the authors of this issue. Each one approaches suffering through the lens of faith, yet none has the definitive solutions to the mystery of suffering, death, and crisis. Each has come to peace with an understanding that makes personal sense, but none solves the crisis of pain for all humanity.
In the absence of clear solutions, what are we to do? I believe part of “what we do” is to form organizations like Stauros U.S.A. We know we cannot take away the world’s pain. We know we cannot supply all the answers on suffering and theodicy. But we also know that the paschal mystery is our way through. When we join together in compassion, when we hold each other up, when we pray for those who cannot pray for themselves, when we see others with the eyes of Christ and minister to their needs, when we walk through the tomb together to find resurrection, then we make a difference in our suffering world.
Currently, we are praying hard for those affected by this horrific natural disaster. We are in contact with many people in the area, staying informed about the situation. As the water clears and the dust settles, and as the people there tell us where we can make the most effective difference, we will sponsor a benefit concert to aid the survivors and refugees. Watch for details in our e-newsletter and on the web site.
In the meantime, help us spread the word about this organization. Tell those you know about Stauros. Invite us for a mission or retreat. Give a gift subscription for Suffering to a friend, a retirement home, your parish, or someone in need. Sign up for one of our classes or workshops. Send in your prayer intentions and join us in praying for the intentions of others. Donate to Stauros or write us into your will, working with us to bring about the reign of God. Most of all, reach out every day to those who need to see the human face of God in the midst of their pain. Touch and be touched. Heal and be healed. Give the one answer that really matters: “I am here for you.”
We have received overwhelmingly positive response to our new retreat-like CD version of Suffering, which contains the recorded texts plus music, prayers, and songs. Many people listen to it in their cars, while others use it for prayer, for retreats, or when visiting the sick. See page 3 for subscription information.
May God bless you.
Amy Florian
Executive Director
