The short story “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a remarkable narrative that highlights faith, hope, and human compassion. The protagonist, Lencho, a poor farmer, writes a letter to God after a devastating hailstorm destroys his entire crop, leaving his family on the brink of starvation. In this heartfelt letter, Lencho asks God for one hundred pesos to replant his fields and survive until the next harvest.
The letter, however, falls into the hands of the postmaster, who plays a pivotal role in the story. Instead of dismissing the letter, the postmaster makes the unusual decision to reply to Lencho’s letter. But why did the postmaster decide to reply to Lencho’s letter? Let’s explore the reasons behind this significant action and what it reveals about human kindness and faith.
1. Moved by Lencho’s Unshakable Faith
The primary reason the postmaster decided to reply to Lencho’s letter was that he was deeply moved by Lencho’s faith. When the postmaster first saw a letter addressed to “God”, he was amused. However, upon reading the contents of the letter, his amusement turned to admiration.
Lencho’s unwavering belief that God would send him the exact amount he needed was astonishing. In a world where doubt and skepticism are common, the postmaster saw pure faith in Lencho’s words. He realized that such strong belief in divine help was rare and deserved to be nurtured, not shattered.
The postmaster understood that if Lencho did not receive a reply, it might break his spirit and destroy his faith. This realization touched him deeply, prompting him to take action.
2. To Preserve Lencho’s Faith in God
The postmaster was not just moved by Lencho’s faith; he also felt a sense of responsibility to preserve it. He believed that faith gives people strength, especially in times of crisis. For Lencho, whose entire livelihood had been wiped out by the hailstorm, faith in God was his only remaining hope.
By replying to the letter, the postmaster wanted to ensure that Lencho’s faith remained intact. He knew that if Lencho received no response, he might lose the hope that had kept him going. The postmaster’s decision to respond was, therefore, an effort to protect something pure and powerful—Lencho’s belief in divine goodness.
3. An Act of Kindness and Compassion
The postmaster’s choice to reply to Lencho’s letter was also driven by genuine kindness and compassion. He recognized that Lencho’s situation was dire. The hailstorm had left the poor farmer with no crops, no food, and no means to support his family.
Although the postmaster did not know Lencho personally, he was empathetic to his plight. He realized that a small act of kindness could make a big difference in Lencho’s life. This sense of human compassion motivated him to go beyond his official duties and help someone in need.
4. The Desire to Do Something Good
Sometimes, people feel the need to do good deeds simply because it brings them inner satisfaction. For the postmaster, replying to Lencho’s letter was also an opportunity to do something meaningful. He saw a chance to make a positive impact in someone’s life and chose to seize it.
The postmaster rallied his colleagues and collected seventy pesos—a significant sum given their modest means. Although they couldn’t gather the full amount of one hundred pesos that Lencho had requested, they hoped the contribution would restore Lencho’s faith in God and give him the strength to carry on.
5. To Play the Role of God’s Messenger
Another interesting reason why the postmaster replied to Lencho’s letter was his desire to act as a messenger of God. Since the letter was addressed to God, the postmaster felt a unique responsibility. He understood that, in a way, humans are often the instruments through which divine help reaches those in need.
By replying to the letter and sending the money anonymously, the postmaster ensured that Lencho would believe the help had come directly from God. He even signed the envelope as “God”, further strengthening Lencho’s belief that divine forces had answered his prayers.
6. The Irony of the Postmaster’s Help
The most ironic twist in the story comes after the postmaster’s selfless efforts. Despite the good intentions of the postmaster and his colleagues, Lencho believed that the post office employees had stolen part of the money. Lencho had asked for one hundred pesos but received only seventy. Convinced that God would not send him less than what he needed, Lencho suspected that the missing thirty pesos were stolen by the postal workers.
In his second letter to God, Lencho wrote:
“Send me the rest, but don’t send it through the mail, because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks.”
This ironic conclusion highlights the complexity of human perception. The postmaster, who went out of his way to help, was falsely accused by the very person he tried to assist. Yet, this irony adds depth to the story, showing how faith in the divine can sometimes overshadow trust in humanity.
Conclusion
The postmaster decided to reply to Lencho’s letter because he was deeply moved by Lencho’s unwavering faith, felt a sense of responsibility to preserve that faith, and was driven by kindness and compassion. His decision also stemmed from a desire to do good and the belief that he could act as God’s messenger.
Despite the ironic twist, where Lencho suspects the post office employees of theft, the postmaster’s actions remain a powerful example of human generosity. The story reminds us that while faith in divine power is important, human kindness and empathy often serve as the real answers to prayers. The postmaster’s selfless act highlights the goodness that exists in the world, even when it goes unrecognized.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
