at least 65 dead in NZ earthquake. A time for reflection and prayer

We pray for the victims, both dead and injured.

One should realize the natural disasters are not restricted to the countries in the Third World where the counters of dead toll pass easily 100 000, and the homeless are not even counted (Indonesia still doesn't have the promised homes after the tsunami). It is a time for a sober assessment of our relation with God, and if we find ourselves close to Him, to thank Him for that great grace and for all we have. And to realize the great number of people are pretty far from what should be a Christian way of life. It is unrealistic not to expect much bigger disasters, as some preachers don't spare time and effort to convince us that no matter how bad the world grows, God will always help  - and why only the same countries that are farthest from Him?

After one of the disasters, it was the Chinese earthquake with 80 000 killed, I heard a Catholic activist who said God punished them. How about HAARP made it instead of God? How about so many Catholic places, including Brazil and Haiti, and why not to remember Katrina in New Orleans?