Rev. Daniel Bentley preaches at St. David’s Episcopal Church on the Fourth Sunday in Lent about the question of suffering, recalling his chaplaincy internship at a nursing home where a resident asked him why God allows suffering and whether suffering is punishment. He notes that scripture contains differing perspectives on punishment and suffering, and connects this to the Gospel reading where the disciples ask who sinned that a man was born blind. Bentley argues Jesus redirects the focus from “why” to “where is God now,” emphasizing that God is present in suffering through healing and through “helpers,” echoing Fred Rogers’ counsel to look for the helpers. He concludes that while he lacks a definitive answer to “why,” he believes God is not dispassionate, has known suffering in becoming human, and is often closer than congregants think.00:00 Opening Prayer00:15 Chaplaincy Toolkit01:29 Meredith's Big Question02:28 Why Suffering Exists03:30 Scripture's Mixed Messages04:37 Blind Man and Blame05:15 Not Why but Where05:51 Look for the Helpers07:57 God in Our Suffering08:46 Closing Charge
