The Book of Lamentation speaks of the mystery of suffering. Though many people speak of evil or suffering as problems, I have deliberately followed another way of speaking by speaking of "mystery". We have learned to distinguish clearly between "problem" and "mystery". A "problem" has parts such as origins, developments, consequences. With the resources of human intelligence and wisdom, we can dissect and analyze "problems" and, in most cases, sooner or later, solve and deal with them.

A mystery, however, cannot be dissected in this way for, unlike a mere problem, it lies far beyond human understanding and explanation. As a simple example: Cancer, AIDS, Ebola, are problems which we can tackle more or less successfully and one day will eradicate. But then other sicknesses will follow. For, far beyond the problems which are various isolated and named diseases, there is the great mystery of illness, which we will never be able to understand, analyze and eradicate.

Problems demand solution, whereas mystery demands adoration. We can reflect on suffering, ponder the deeper hidden meaning beyond its apparent senselessness and capriciousness, but, finally, that reflection and pondering must lead us to adoration of God and surrender to his creative and restorative love.