A God that Permits Pain - Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas

Reflecting on Jesus’ words that a lit lamp is not hidden, this episode explains that God did not hide His Son—the light of the world—citing Saint Cyril of Alexandria on Christ rescuing humanity from Satanic darkness. It asks why a good and almighty God permits darkness, pain, and tragedy, referencing the lasting impact of 9/11 as well as everyday struggles like stress, sadness, and hardship. The message argues that a world without darkness would require removing genuine freedom, and love requires a will that can say no. Like parents who have children despite the risk of rejection, God made humanity with free will and, when things went wrong, entered the darkness through the cross, transforming death into light. Listeners are urged to examine their own hearts, choose love over harm, forgive, and become light in the darkness. Recorded: September 13, 2026 at Sts. Basilios-Gregorios Orthodox Church in New Jersey