We live in strange times. Athletes that quit are celebrated as courageous, big families are considered a threat to human life but not abortion, and church-burning we are told, “is not right but understandable”. In other words, the beacons of virtue today are people that quit, kill or burn.
So what is a man raised on faith, hope, and love to do? I often hear phrases such as “this is the permissive will of God” or “just trust in God’s plan” not as a call to action, but rather to suggest one should acquiesce to our surroundings with quiet acceptance. Kneeling as it seems, is no longer reserved to the Holy Trinity. Is this really Divine Providence or more a case of declining confidence?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 306 that “God is the sovereign master of His plan. But to carry it out, He also makes use of His creature’s cooperation”. In paragraph 307, the Church goes a step further and tells us “Though often unconscious collaborators with God’s will, they can also enter deliberately into the divine plan by their actions, their prayers, and their sufferings…”. God’s plan is not conditional to our cooperation, but we are given the opportunity to “deliberately” be a part of it. The Proverbs (19:21) remind us that “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” This reminder is not so we never make plans, but rather so that we make plans according to His purpose. What actions, prayers, and sufferings are you planning to undertake for our Lord’s purpose?
The Battle of Lepanto or the Reconquista did not start with a bolt of lightning, there was no “let there be colour” to paint the Sistine Chapel, and Dante’s Comedy was not pre-written in stone tablets. All these great works were planned in the mind of men for the purpose of God. If you’re like me though, it’s unlikely that you will ever wield a sword or paint a masterpiece, but the good news, is that God’s plan also included someone who just offered up a donkey, a man carrying a jar of water, and a thief with a kind word. Simple deeds with glorious consequences!
In his letter to the Romans (8:37), St Paul tell us that “we are more than conquerors”, and Our Lady continuously instructs us to “do whatever He tells you”. These are calls to action my friends. What is our Lord Jesus Christ asking you to do today?
St Joseph: pray for us
Roberto Freire
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