The Great Fire: An Act of God?

"Do you think this fire is an act of God?"

(Scene: Ruined City Street, somewhere in the world, afternoon. The air is thick with smoke, and the streets are lined with the charred remains of buildings. YOU, a Journalist, walk slowly through the destruction, camera in hand, capturing the grim aftermath.)

(In the distance, you spot a STREET SLEEPER sitting on the curb, staring at the wreckage with an unreadable expression. You feel a pull to understand his perspective. You approach him, curiosity urging you forward.)

You: What a disaster.

Street Sleeper: Yes.

You: I wonder why the fire was so huge… It spread so fast, and it’s unstoppable. It’s the worst in history.

Street Sleeper: Probably. I’ve lived here for 62 years. Never seen anything like it.

You: I don’t know… but I feel like there’s a reason for all of this.

(The Street Sleeper’s gaze remains fixed on the ruins, but you sense he’s listening. You press on.)

You: I think anyone caught in this mess deserves some pity, sure… but sometimes… not everyone should be pitied.

(He turns his eyes to the ground for a moment, then looks up, his expression distant yet thoughtful.)

Street Sleeper: Everyone should be pitied. Living itself is pitiful, in a way.

You: They’re saying it’s an act of God… that people mocked God, so this is the punishment.

Street Sleeper: Did they?

You: Some people believe that. Religious folks. There’s all these videos on YouTube talking about it now.

Street Sleeper: I don’t have a phone.

You: Right, of course. But do you believe in God?

Street Sleeper: Yes. Truly.

(There’s a weight in his voice, and it sparks something in you. You dig deeper.)

You: Do you think this fire is an act of God? A punishment for the non-believers, the mockers?

Street Sleeper: No, I don’t think so. Not everyone agrees with the loud voices in the media. You can’t define a whole place by just a small group of people speaking the loudest.

You: But most of the people here are rich, right?

Street Sleeper: I’m not rich.

You: No, I mean… look around you. This area, it’s full of the rich—bankers, movie stars, athletes… celebrities.

Street Sleeper: Being rich isn’t a sin.

You: But being too rich—if you’re spreading things that harm society, mocking traditions, changing nature—don’t you think that could anger God?

Street Sleeper: Yes. But God is merciful. He’ll punish those who aren’t on His side, but He’ll do it with mercy.

You: How can you be so sure?

Street Sleeper: I know. He looks at each of us, case by case. People can’t be defined by one mistake. We all have our paths.

(You pause, considering his words. He seems calm, almost resigned, but there’s a quiet wisdom in his tone. You push forward.)

You: But you were affected too, right? The fire… it must have hurt you in some way.

Street Sleeper: Not really. I have nothing. Nothing for the fire to burn.

(You look at him more closely now—his old sweater, the holes in his clothes, the weariness in his eyes—and the realization settles in.)

You: But how can you still believe in God when you have nothing? Doesn’t it seem unfair? Those who mock God, who live in luxury, get everything… and those who are loyal, like you, end up with nothing. They sleep on the streets—Sorry if I’m being blunt.

Street Sleeper: It’s okay. That’s a fact. Since it’s a fact, I don’t mind.

(Then he speaks again, quieter this time, almost as if sharing a secret.)

Street Sleeper: It’s not like what you think. God knows each of us better than anyone. I’ve reaped what I sowed. I wasn’t as faithful to Him when I was younger. There’s always a cause for everything.

You: So, you think this huge fire… it’s all just an accident?

Street Sleeper: Yeah. I think it is.

You: I’m glad we could talk. You’ve opened my eyes to something. I wish you good health.

Street Sleeper: Thank you.

(You extend your hand. He hesitates for a moment, then takes it. You share a brief moment of understanding before you pull away. You continue your walk, camera in hand, documenting the aftermath.)

(The Street Sleeper watches you leave, then turns to walk in the opposite direction, disappearing into the quiet afternoon sun.)

(Posted on 20.1.2025)

#GreatFireActOfGod