Why I Never Ask God “why”

As I studied Economics in undergrad, I fell in love with the question “why.” This question allows for us to dig deeper into various revelations in life. As a mom and a teacher, I love it when children ask “why.” It shows me their curiosity and as adults, we have an obligation to embrace their curiosity, not shun it. When I study Theology, it is because I want to know why we do what we do in our faith so that I can better answer others questions when they ask why we do something as Catholics. But there is a line that I refuse to cross.


I will not ask God “why.” I will not ask Him “why this” or “why that.” Given the sufferings that I have seen or borne, I have never felt a need to ask God “why.” From witnessing death and tragedy in the Air Force as a result of 9/11, to having loved ones pass away very quickly and unexpectedly, to nearly succumbing to this life a mere four years ago, and now being 7 months pregnant with a baby who has been diagnosed prenatally with Down Syndrome- I have never felt compelled to question our Almighty Risen Savior.


Why, you may ask? It all comes down to faith and trust. Who am I, little me, to question the God who created the Earth in seven days, parted the Red Sea, rose people from the dead and who has blessed me with a loving and supportive family with beautiful, intelligent children and an amazing awe-inspiring husband. I don’t feel the need to question the God who has continually provided me with many great and small miracles and has allowed me to witness the miracles in others lives.


In the study of Catholicism, we study the marriage of faith and reason. As children of God, we have been given the gift of intelligence. This intelligence, or reason, drives our faith, and in return, our faith feeds into our sense of reason. We use this reason to prove the existence of our faith in God. Reason is logic. Therefore, it is logical to put 110% trust in God who has tirelessly made known to us the depth of His love and mercy.


I just doesn’t make sense to ask God “why,” especially when it comes to suffering. Doesn’t it make more sense to offer up our sufferings for the souls in Purgatory, for the forgiveness of sins and for the conversion of sinners? Offering up our sufferings for others takes the focus off of you and gives you a reason or purpose for suffering. It makes suffering worthwhile and purposeful.