Sirach 11

We frequently observe extraordinary occurrences and transformations in the universe that catch us off guard. Many instances arise where we find ourselves pondering: how will this unfold? There are moments when we are taken aback by events that occur without warning, leading us to utter frustrations, claiming, I never anticipated this outcome. We are often left as unknowing observers when it comes to predicting future happenings. Similarly, grasping the true motivations behind current events can be challenging, except for one fundamental truth that is present in all circumstances: things come to pass according to God's will, arranged or permitted by His wise and ineffable, yet always just and benevolent Providence. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Is. 55:8-9). As St. Gregory noted, seeking to understand the hidden reasons behind God’s judgments often leads us to confront our own sinful pride in light of His counsels. It is imperative that during any extraordinary occurrence, we echo the sentiment of the Apostle Paul: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33). There are many elements of worldly existence that will forever evade our understanding. It suffices for us to know, to be assured and believe wholeheartedly that God is not unjust, and on the day of judgment, no one will utter anything other than the acknowledgment, “Righteous art thou, O Lord, and thy judgments are right” (Psalm 118:137). Once, King David observed the seemingly carefree lifestyle of the wicked, leading some of God's followers astray, and yearned to understand God's judgments on them. He pondered this matter for an extended period, but when clarity eluded him, he humbly acknowledged, “It is too painful for me until I go into the sanctuary of God” (Psalm 72:16-17). Thus, we must defer our complete understanding of divine Wisdom and the unfathomable destinies in this life to a more enlightened existence in the future. Henceforth, let us refrain from extending our inquisitive judgments into realms beyond our knowledge. The overwhelming waves of the boundless ocean of the Highest Mind, with their ceaseless ebb and flow, outstrip the capacity of all wisdom, transcending not only human intellect but that of angels as well. How can we possibly grasp the ultimate reasons behind profound divine destinies? Who can fathom God's sovereign plan: why one person is born into paganism while another into faith? Why was the message of the Gospel not shared widely in various lands until much later, resulting in countless souls passing without the chance to embrace Christ's salvation, while in other territories, it spread swiftly? Why does one nation appear teeming with heresy, while another flourishes in righteousness? Why do certain punishments from God seem delayed for some individuals while others face immediate consequences? Why must innocents sometimes endure trials and condemnation, while some people's sins are visited upon their descendants? Why did the Crusades, involving numerous kings and princes striving to reclaim Palestine and the Holy Sepulchre from infidels, fail to achieve their intended outcome? Let us not repeat our inquiries: why was Adam afforded the chance for repentance whereas Lucifer was not? Why did Jesus show mercy to the fallen apostle Peter while turning away from Judas? Why does one child pass away in infancy while another reaches old age? Why does a minor transgressor perish without remorse while a longtime sinner may eventually find redemption and die as a faithful Christian? Why does one prosper amidst abundance while another lacks even basic sustenance? Oh, restless and overly curious mind! Why pursue these questions? Probing into the fires of divine destinies will only leave you scorched; climbing the steep heights of Divine Providence will result in your downfall. Much like moths or flies that circle a flame until they are consumed, so too does the human mind recklessly seek to delve into the mysteries of the unfathomable Divine. As mortals, we cannot gaze upon the brilliance of the Eternal Sun as we might wish; the profound mysteries of God remain beyond our understanding in this life. The Son of Sirach reminds us, “How magnificent are the works of the Lord! They are grand and His mysteries are hidden from mankind” (Sir. 11:4). There was no mortal who could take from Him who sits upon the throne the scroll written within and on the outside, to open it and read it, save for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David—the conqueror over death. (This scroll symbolizes divine judgments, with foreknowledge on the inside and Providence on the outside, as detailed in Apocalypse 5.) The eternal, all-wise God orchestrates all things with precision, measure, and purpose; who can stand against His power and will? (Prem. 11:21). Why do we, the humble, elevate our pride, believing we can measure the weight of fire, gauge the wind’s speed, or reclaim the past? It is sufficient for us to believe that God’s will is the origin of all causes, and those who seek greater authority lack understanding of the essence of God. Every effect depends upon a preceding cause, forming an interconnected series of subordinate causes. The First Cause, which itself is not a consequence of another, is the foundation of all causes and is none other than the Eternal, steadfast, and immortal God glorified in the Holy Trinity. What more do you seek? God permitted it, God willed it, and God created all things. As Salvian wisely stated, “For us, the most profound truth must be the Will of God, and the highest wisdom is to willingly and peacefully align with the guidance of Divine Will and Providence.”