Is it right to say: Man proposes, God disposes?

THE WORD AND THE SAINT

September 30, 2020: Remembering St. Jerome

Job 9: 1-12, 14-16; Luke 9: 57-62 

Man proposes; God disposes - we have heard this often. In times such as now...for instance the whole of 2020 so far has turned our life upside down, we had plans and projects for the whole year chalked out...where have they ended up! Amidst such feelings...it seems much more justified to repeat that statement - human beings propose and God disposes! But just take a moment and reflect: is it not unfair to state it that way, because it is God who is the Master; God proposes! Let us try to understand this perspective. 

It should be God who proposes, not we! The best thing for us is to accept that proposal, without minding the momentary inconvenience it may cause. Lord's ways are unique and the best thing that can happen to us is God's plan. When we wish to propose, plan, manipulate, twist and twirl, pull and push our way to what we wish to do or achieve, there are so many things that override. That is what has happened to humanity today. Job, in the Word today explains how a radical surrender into the hands of God is the best way or the only sound way of living human life. 

St. Jerome whom we remember today reminds us of an effective and necessary means to that surrender - the love for the Word of God. He was a man who dedicated his entire life to the Word of God. 'Not knowing the Scripture, is not knowing Christ,' he said! The Word of God is the closest aid to decide what we should and should not do, what we should be and should not be, what we choose and what we should not, in our daily life! That is one prominent place where God proposes!

We see a collection of episodes in the Gospel today, which illustrate this truth. What we are called to do is not great work, but God's work. It is the Lord who created us and it is the Lord who commissions us! At times we think we are the masters of the things that we are involved in, but it is the Lord who is using us and if only we become aware of it, great will be our happiness! 

It is good to rethink our logic of proposing and waiting for God to approve or disapprove...is it not better to allow God to propose, be attentive to that proposal and live by it! Be attentive when God proposes and that is the best thing that can happen to you!