Lencho is a humble, hardworking farmer whose entire existence revolves around his crops. For him, the yield of his field is not just his only source of sustenance—it is his hope for a better future. Despite his poverty and the hardships he endures, Lencho’s faith in God is absolute. This unyielding belief forms the backbone of his character.
One fateful day, a violent hailstorm strikes, devastating his entire crop in a matter of minutes. As Lencho surveys the ruin of his field, the flood of despair is almost overwhelming. Yet, even in the face of such calamitous loss, his faith remains unswerving. Believing that divine intervention can restore his fortunes, he decides to write a letter directly to God. In this heartfelt epistle, he respectfully pleads for 100 pesos—the amount he believes is necessary to help him rebuild his life and support his family.
The letter, full of innocent yet profound faith, eventually reaches the local post office. Moved by the sincerity and desperation in Lencho’s words, the postmaster and his staff decide to help. They pool their meager resources together and send him 70 pesos as a gesture of kindness, thinking that this contribution, though less than his request, is an answer to his prayer.
When Lencho receives the money, his immediate reaction is not gratitude but suspicion. Convinced that God could not possibly send him less than what he asked for, he assumes that the post office employees must have cheated him by withholding the remaining amount. In a poignant twist, Lencho’s fervent faith transforms into harsh judgment against those who tried to help him.
The story uses this irony to explore the complex interplay between divine faith and human nature. Lencho’s unshakeable trust is both his strength and his downfall. His belief in a higher power is challenged by his inability to appreciate human kindness, highlighting the gap between idealistic faith and practical human ethics. Ultimately, the narrative prompts readers to reflect on the nature of belief, the purity of hope in times of despair, and the sometimes bitter irony inherent in our interpretations of divine intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the protagonist of the story?
The protagonist is Lencho, a poor farmer whose life and hope depend entirely on his crops and his unwavering faith in God.
What is the central incident in “A Letter to God”?
A sudden hailstorm destroys Lencho’s entire crop, plunging him into despair. In a desperate bid for help, he writes a letter to God asking for 100 pesos to rebuild his life.
Why does Lencho write a letter to God?
Lencho writes the letter out of sheer desperation and complete faith that divine intervention will provide him with the means to recover from the disaster and support his family.
How do the post office employees play a role in the story?
The compassionate postal workers, moved by Lencho’s sincere plea, pool their money together to send him 70 pesos, thereby illustrating human kindness in response to his faith.
What conflict arises when Lencho receives the money?
Although he receives 70 pesos, Lencho becomes suspicious and accuses the postal workers of stealing the remaining amount, which highlights the complex interplay between pure faith and human imperfection.
What are the key themes of the story?
The narrative explores various themes such as unwavering faith, the irony of human nature, the vulnerability of hope in the face of disaster, and the sometimes bittersweet response of human kindness.
What lesson can readers learn from the story?
“A Letter to God” encourages readers to reflect on the nature of faith, urging them to balance idealistic trust with a realistic appreciation of human effort and fallibility.
