Natural disasters make us stop and think about the human condition

I HAVE been thinking lately about a tragedy that occurred a few months ago where I come from.

A little boy, a much-cherished only child, was killed in a driving accident. I remember feeling that this must be the worst fate that could befall a parent. These days we wonder if there is an even more grievous situation where families are left clueless about the fate of their beloved, not knowing whether they are happy or sad, alive or dead.

It's not surprising that we get to thinking about the big questions, about whether there is a meaning to life, whether there is a God, and why does he allow suffering.