+ The readings today have to do with what should be a favorite
topic for any true disciple of Christ: the will of God. The
first reading classically rules out a predominating planning pattern that all
of us are guilty of at one time or another: “Today, or tomorrow we shall go
into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business and make a profit”
– sounds about right for our post-Modern and post-Industrial Age. The worldly
minded would say: “Well, what is wrong with that statement? It sounds perfectly
logical: we have to make plans; our economy depends on it.”
Well, yes and no! It is
perfectly OK to make plans, with all of the thousands of details that go into
them – but “whose plans are they really?” ought to be the underlying question
to ask each and every step of the way forward.
If you think they are entirely
“your plans” – then you are mistaken. Basic defense of that statement: GOD WAS
HERE FIRST – all alone and by himself – in his totally self-sufficient Trinity
of Being! Therefore, all plans, including the very creation of the universe and
all its parts, and its highest form: mankind (male and female), are his: he
implants in us ideas and inspirations on how best to co-create with him all
that needs to be created, invented, and built for the smooth running of the
human adventure on the planet.
So, “whose plans are they” to
go and make a profit? – they are GOD’S fundamentally and basically – we just
fill in the blanks. So, “if God wills” “God willing” “with the Green Light from
the Master Architect” – would be an excellent way to begin making progress
forward: and this applies from any venture, from getting out of bed in the
morning, to going to any kind of work, school, playground, athletic event. This
way, we can be assured of the best of all possible outcomes, sooner or later.
Everything will not be smooth sailing, but God willing, it will turn out his
way, which is always best.
In the gospel passage Jesus
scolds the apostle John who is angry that those outside the “inner circle” (of
Jesus) are casting out demons using his Name. No, don’t stop them, if by their
fruits we can see that people are on our side, then, they are truly on our side;
they can’t be for us and against us at the same time. The Spirit blows where it
wills – for it is accomplishing God’s will, and that is the most important
thing of all.
I am
the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father
except through me – for this is the Will of Father, and it shall be done his
way, in his time!
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