This may seem simple and obvious, and it is. But it’s the simple things that often hold a mystery which points to God. It’s the fact that God directly wills (or at least permits) – – WHAT IS.
Let’s look at a few things that ARE, to see what God may be up to.
- The universe exists. (God wills)
- It’s winter. (God wills)
- How old are you? (God wills that)
- There’s a Democrat in the Oval Office and a Republican held Congress. (God permits).
- The Bills are in the play offs. (God permits)
- War is raging in Ukraine. (God permits)
- The ice caps are melting and global temperatures are rising. (Ice melts at 32 — God wills. Man’s use of carbon fuels creates an atmosphere that traps heat – God permits our carbon footprint.)
- Science has Covid on the run. (God wills and permits)
- You were born. (God wills)
- God became flesh 2000 yrs. ago (God wills).
- Jesus is risen from the dead. (God wills).
- All will be well. (God wills)
From these few examples it becomes clear that WHAT IS comes either from God’s hand, or, by God accepting free human action and its consequence (both good and bad).
Now we have to be clear about something. God, who is Light and Truth . . . God, who’s essence is ultimately Love . . . can only directly will what is good. “God looked at everything He had made and saw all he had created and found it very good.” Genesis 1:31
But God’s will must deal with the free choices He allows humans to make. And God knows that some of those choices will be sinful and contrary to his loving plan. What does a loving God do to remedy the mess we humans create?
First off, God accepts WHAT IS. He embraces the results of our choices and begins to find a way for His Love to heal, forgive and renew.
Have you watched, or perhaps participated, in effecting God’s loving will? Have you helped the poor? Instructed a child? Forgiven some offense? Educated yourself about some social injustice? Worked for: Habitat for Humanity? Birthright? St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality? Have you supported the Missions? Your parish?
You see God’s “Permissive Will” is asking us to be part of the solution to the problems we created. None of us can do this on our own. These things are overwhelming to any one person. But together we can plant a new seed of hope. Together we can pass on to our children a vision of a better world and encourage them to find a life that helps others.
All this, of course, is empowered by the greatest WHAT IS in human history – – – Jesus Christ. Remember, whatever IS is God’s will. And God’s will is His Love. His Love will not fail.
Bless you.
Fr. Tim
Save the Date: February 5th
Bishop Salvatore Matano is joining us for mass in two weeks!
He will be celebrant and homilist at the 10:30 mass, February 5. Coffee hour will follow. Come say “hello” to the bishop.
