Why would God allow abused children to leave the faith?

[031064]

Hi Father:

Firstly, I heard you on EWTN and would like to say I think it was great and you really represent orthodox Catholicism with grace and eloquence.

My question is this: Why would God allow for a child to be abused, especially sexually, if he knows that this will lead them away from the faith? (ie. they will ask “Why did God allow this” and leave).

Thanks Father!

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Only God knows the full extent of the effects of such suffering. His wisdom is far beyond our ability to comprehend. Scripture shows us how kind an merciful He always was with the innocent and victimized. If you recall, the children who were murdered by Herod in his effort to kill the Christ child, the Church considers saints today with the feast of the Holy Innocents.

The Lord loves such abused children even when they become adults and is far more compassionate than we. It is for us to trust His love and that in the end all will be well.
He didn’t suffer and die as He did so that people would slip through His fingers. He is holding them in the palm of His hand.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.