Natural disasters bring with them a certain mysterious power to recalibrate a person’s understanding of what humans are and what they are for. Values seem to get tossed in a whirlwind like the trees and powerlines in a hurricane – and in the aftermath, inexplicably, they just fall back into right order within the soul. Parents, brothers and sisters matter like never before. Neighbors matter like never before. The parish matters like never before. Giving thanks matters like never before.
After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked?” (Gn 3:8-11).