Perfect Plan in Imperfection
January 26th, 2024
Anonymous Laity from Saint Vincent dePaul Parish
As I delve deeper into my contemplations, a profound realization has dawned upon me: there is a perfect alignment in God amidst the myriad choices in our lives. Reflecting upon the teachings of the Catholic canon and insights from St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica, I've come to understand the unique nature of angels' free will and its relation to God's perfect will.
Angels, as described in both the canon and Summa Theologica, possess the capacity for free will in their actions and choices. They have the autonomy to decide how they communicate God's message, whom they appear to, and the manner of their appearance. Yet, intriguingly, their actions always align with God's perfect will and divine plan. This indicates the existence of 'guardrails' within which their free will operates. As Psalm 103:20 says, "Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word." This verse underscores the angels' obedience to God's will while exercising their free will.
This understanding leads me to contemplate the nature of perfectionism in our own lives. It is a fallacy to believe that there is one singular, flawless path for each individual. Our comprehension of God's ways is limited, and we cannot fathom how broad the 'goalposts' of His plan might be. The key lies in our intent and trust in Him, not in seeking easy answers or expecting divine guidance to manifest effortlessly in our thoughts. Rather, it's about pursuing Him with conviction, staying flexible, and navigating the outcomes that emerge from human free will within His divine plan.
In this seemingly chaotic structure, we find peace in knowing that we need not agonize over whether we have made the absolute right decision, as long as it is a good decision. We can remain aligned with His will in various ways. This is exemplified in the nature of angelic free will, which, while being perfectly obedient, allows for multiple paths within God's plan. As Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse comforts us with the knowledge that our sincere efforts, guided by love and faith, align with His purpose, even amidst the complexities of life.
In embracing this perspective, we can let go of the burden of perfectionism and find solace in the broad expanse of God's plan, trusting in His guidance and the freedom He grants us to make choices within the framework of His divine will.
