The Rebbe on Pain and Suffering
By zevi770 · January 19, 2012
We have all seen the consequences of evil.
We may come to understand that such suffering strengthens a human being, that there is no greater satisfaction than overcoming adversity, but such revelations do not satisfy the suffering heart.
Inevitably, we ask: Why must it be this way?
Abraham cried out to G-d, “Shall the whole world’s judge not act justly?” and his cry has reverberated through a hundred generations of tear soaked history.
All the explanations in the world cannot address the pain of suffering.
Even the most logical reason is, at best, only theoretical; the heart will never reconcile itself to pain.
On the other hand, faith in G-d is not dependent on answers to philosophical queries; no amount of intellectual prodding can dent the person of faith, because faith is built on an inner sense of what is true and real, which is far stronger than logic alone and far beyond the pain of evil.
The paradox of faith, dictates, that we both challenge G-d and accept what he does, for we recognize that G-d’s reality is far beyond our own and that ultimately we cannot understand his mysterious ways.
This paradox has been plaguing the thinking believer, since the beginning of time.
While the mind struggles to rationalize, the heart learns to love.
While the mind struggles to categorize a series of conflicting events, the heart tolerates contradictions.
Outrage and devotion, judgment and acceptance, pain and pleasures – a heart that loves has room for them all.
So yes, we question and challenge G-d.
And yes, we pray and demand that he do away with evil and suffering.
And yet we realize that only G-d knows why suffering is permitted why tragedy and agony are allowed.
The only true answer for the heart is silence.