A Reflection on the Holocaust, Part III of III

Yet, God through his Sacred Scripture shows us that the horrors depicted in various Holocaust horrors are not new to mankind.  

Throughout the ages man has received afflictions from others and has also been the source of affliction upon fellow human beings.  Evil has run rampant time and time again as we see it through the Holocaust, and as depicted in the Word of God.

Evil is essentially a mystery and even the Word of God leaves questions on evil unanswered.  But, Sacred Scripture does express the reality of evil with absolute honesty, and it does offer some consolation in addressing evil rather than any superficial avoidance of the mystery.

Since the Holocaust is a tragic reality, it must be viewed in light of Sacred Scripture for there never is a dichotomy between reality and the Word of God.  

The Word offers all peoples some understanding regarding the tragedy of evil which occurred through the Holocaust.  Therefore, we must continually search for answers to the mystery of evil, to seek a measure of understanding the trials and sufferings of life.  Sacred Scripture give us meaning regarding these trials and sufferings as found in the Book of Job:

“Behold, God is sublime in his power.  What teacher is there like him?  Who prescribes for him on his conduct, or who can say, ‘You have done wrong’?  Lo, God is great beyond our knowledge.” [i]

But, the mystery of evil continues.  There is no automatic response which will ever satisfy our questions, not even a verse from the Word of God can give a definitive conclusion.

Man continues to suffer, to question his suffering, his very existence, and to call out to God for an answer echoing the heart of Job:

“I cry to you but you do not answer me; you stand off and look at me; then you turn upon me without mercy and with your strong hand you buffet me.  You raise me up and drive me before the wind; I am tossed about by the tempest.  Yet, should not a hand be held out to help a wretched man in his calamity?  Yet, when I looked for good; the evil came; when I expected light, then came darkness.” [ii]

Although Job received his vindication in the end, he still suffered the affliction that made him call out to God for answers.  And he called out with a great passion, while never defying God, as evident in the Book of Job.

Likewise, the many just who have suffered, and who are suffering, call out to God with great passion, questioning him, and seeking answers to the evils which continually torment humanity.

The suffering and imploring God for answers in our valley of tears continues.  It is the quest of the human heart to beseech God for answers to assist us.  For not to do so would be contrary to our human nature, and also a contradiction of the wisdom of Sacred Scripture. 

Final Reflections: A Warning from the Department of Homeland Security

In conclusion, the reality of evil, manifested through hatred as recently evident at Charlottesville and the Capitol Riots, demands our vigilance. It is imperative that we heed the advisements of law enforcement authorities - such as the Department of Homeland Security National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin, released Jan. 27, 2021. 

This bulletin warns us of the heightened threat environment across the United States in clear language:

"some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence."

Read the DHS Bulletin, Click Here   

A Reflection on the Holocaust, Part I of III

A Reflection on the Holocaust, Part II of III

Photos:

1. Scripture opening, Book of Job.

2. “The book of Job challenges the simple equation of suffering with punishment, by telling the story of one righteous man's confrontation with overwhelming misfortune.” By Moshe Greenberg from The Book of Job, illustration from the article depicts Job rebuked by his friends.

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He served as spokesperson for a coalition of victim’s families of the Virginia Tech tragedy. He is the author of 275 published works, including 15 cover stories for The Chief of Police.  His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries. For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter @vincentjbove 

Related Coverage: Protecting Houses of Worship: A National Model

Safeguarding Houses of Worship, Protecting Communities, Personal Safety

Sanctuary Profaned: Protecting America's Houses of Worship

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Respect, Reflect, Resolve

Vanquishing Intolerance, Bigotry, Discrimination After Hatred Is Unleashed

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[i] Job 36: 22-23, 26.

[ii] Job 30: 20-22, 24, 26.

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