Some news stories hurt, but they also remind us that even in the middle of destruction, life can still find a way.
In La Guaira, Venezuela, one of the areas hardest hit by the powerful earthquakes, rescuers found a newborn baby alive after being trapped under the rubble for 32 hours.
According to reports, the baby was only 18 days old.
Thirty-two hours.
For many of us, that may sound like just a number. But imagine what that means for a mother. For a father. For a family that does not know whether they will ever see their child alive again.
On the night of the rescue, surrounded by dust, broken concrete, and danger, rescue workers searched through the debris under the light of a focused beam. Then, suddenly, they were able to pull the baby out. They passed him carefully from one person to another, wrapped in a blanket, while those nearby applauded with a mixture of relief, tears, and amazement.
One hour later, his mother was also rescued.
In the middle of a tragedy where hundreds of people have died, thousands have been injured, and many others are still missing, this image becomes a small light in a very dark night.
But we must say this with respect: the rescue of this baby does not erase the pain of the families who lost their loved ones.
We cannot speak of hope as if suffering did not exist.
We cannot speak of miracles as if there were no tears.
We cannot give thanks for one life saved without also grieving for the lives that were lost.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 12:15:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
And that is exactly what we must do today.
We rejoice because a baby was found alive.
We rejoice because his mother was also rescued.
We rejoice because in the middle of the rubble, there was still a cry of life.
But we also mourn with Venezuela.
We mourn with the parents who did not find their children.
We mourn with the children who lost their parents.
We mourn with the elderly who lost their homes.
We mourn with the rescuers who continue searching through ruins, exhaustion, and pain.
La Guaira was declared a disaster zone. Authorities restricted access in order to better coordinate the emergency, avoid traffic congestion, and allow ambulances, rescue teams, and humanitarian aid to pass through.
And this also leaves us with a lesson.
When tragedy strikes, good intentions are not enough. Order, wisdom, and coordination are also needed. Because sometimes, wanting to help without direction can end up getting in the way of those who are fighting to save lives.
True help does not only come from the heart. It must also walk with responsibility.
This rescued baby reminds us of something very deep: life is fragile, but it is also valuable.
No one knows when everything can change.
No one knows when a normal morning can turn into an emergency.
No one knows when the ground may move beneath their feet.
That is why we must not live spiritually asleep.
Sometimes we think we have plenty of time. Time to seek God later. Time to forgive later. Time to embrace later. Time to change later.
But life reminds us, again and again, that there is not always a “later.”
Jesus said in Matthew 24:44:
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Being ready does not mean living in fear.
It means living with an awakened heart.
It means loving while we can.
Asking for forgiveness while we can.
Praying while we can.
Seeking Christ while we still have life.
Today, this baby represents hope.
Not a naïve hope, as if nothing had happened.
But a hope born among the rubble.
A hope that cries, but does not give up.
A hope that acknowledges the pain, but keeps looking to God.
Because when human beings see no way out, God can still make a way.
Today we pray for this baby, for his mother, for the injured, for the missing, for the rescuers, for the families waiting for news, and for all the Venezuelan people.
May God have mercy on Venezuela.
May He strengthen those who are weary.
May He comfort those who mourn.
May He guide those who are helping.
And may many, in the middle of so much pain, find refuge in Christ.
Lord, today we place Venezuela in Your hands.
Embrace those who are suffering.
Sustain those who have lost everything.
Give strength to those still searching for life among the rubble.
And help us not to forget that every day we breathe is an opportunity to return to You.
Amen.
SomosCristianos.
Connecting hearts with Christ.
