but from the LORD comes every decision. (Proverbs 16:33 NABRE)
How do you make big life decisions?
One ancient way to make decisions is described here in Proverbs, by putting dice into a bag. Each die means either "yes" or "no." The same concept is used with long or short straws, flipping a coin, or a Magic 8 Ball. To us, it seems almost humorous, but there is an aspect to this which we have lost today.
After Jesus left the Apostles for the final time, they had to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot (See Acts 1:15-26). They had two candidates and had them draw lots to determine who the replacement would be. However, the prayer that Peter prayed before the men drew their lot explains both today's verse from Proverbs and the scene in Acts. He prays:
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosenAs the proverb explains, a human being puts the dice in the bag but what emerges from the bag is the Lord’s decision.*
to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Today, I will not be bothered by life's big decisions. Before deciding, I will ask the Lord to show me the choice he makes for me and then I will follow the path laid out for me with confidence.
Saint Justin, patron of philosophers and defender of the faith, pray for us.
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