Control issues are common to all of us. None of us wants to be completely out of control of our lives. Control is one of those things that we think about and claim but which is really non-existent. God is the only one who is in control.
The man in today’s Gospel thinks he is in control of his future. He has everything all laid out. He is going to spend the rest of his life eating, drinking, and being merry. Little does he realize there is very little time left in his future!
St. Paul also speaks about control. He reminds us that we are God’s handiwork. Psalm 100 also reminds us that we are the flock God tends. Control of our life is simply not within our grasp. God has planned. God has executed the plans. Our lives are lived as God directs.
God’s plan for us is quite simple. God did not fashion us for any particular role in life other than to be the objects of God’s love. When we recognize the power of God’s love in our lives, we are able to let go of the illusion of control and to respond with gratitude for the gift of life as well as the gift of redemption.
At each Eucharist we remember that Jesus handed himself over to others and suffered death for our freedom. God fashioned this plan of salvation long before we ever existed. Those who place their lives under God’s control will come eventually come to “eat, drink, and merry” at the banquet of heaven.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator