Reflection for the Week–October 12

True story: I was discussing Divine action with someone the other day. I mentioned that in light of what science is telling us it seems unlikely that God acts to clear traffic jams or provide parking places on my behalf. “Oh, yes,” he stated, “that makes sense.” After some further dialogue and time together, just before leaving, he said, “By the way, I have a mysterious car problem. Would you pray that God will break through and help the mechanic can find out what it is. Thanks.” Well, new views of Divine action are challenging. If we dare delve into them we may start to understand that our theologies will have to be modified accordingly. God is not some great actor in the sky who reaches into a closed system and then tweaks it to suit my needs and desires. Where this “not” will take us I’m not sure, but hopefully towards developing a truer and more realistic relationality with the One who is.