The best laid plans... and the worst

We make plans.

That is what prudent human beings do.

Some plans work out, some do not.

In the famous words of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley”.

In today’s first reading (Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a), a group of brothers make murderous plans, while one of them secretly schemes to save the intended victim.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46), our Lord tells of tenant farmers who also make murderous plans, thinking they will benefit.

None of those plans turn out as expected, but ultimately, amid and despite the convolutions caused by the twisted minds of men, the will of God is accomplished.

As children of God and people with responsibilities, we need to make and pursue the best plans we can (remembering always to remain faithful to God and His ways and to seek guidance from Him), yet we must always remember that we are not God and that our plans – good, bad, or indifferent – will not always work out.

But the infinite plan of God – who is all-powerful and all-loving – will.