GOD IS THE MASTER PLANNER
Often times we think and act as if we are self sufficient. We make plans and try to execute them, thinking that it is by our own power, knowledge and wealth that we achieve what we have. 

James tells us in the first reading of today that we should always plan, having in mind that things can only go according to our plans if they are the will of God for us. Our plans therefore should go with the mindset of, 'if God wills' or 'by the grace of God'. 

God is the master planner and he alone knows what he has planned for us. We can never predict what will happen in the next moment; only God sees the end from the beginning. He alone can bring our plans, hopes and aspirations to perfect completion. 

St Polycarp was a disciple of the early Apostles of Jesus. He was the first Bishop of Smyrna, and he was a very close friend of St Ignatius of Antioch. When there was dispute about the date of Easter, he came down to Rome to meet with Pope Anicetus. He wrote some letters to various early Christian communities to encourage them in the faith, especially during persecution. Some of his writings still survive till today. He bore witness to the faith in the early church, especially in Smyrna where he was martyred around 155AD.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.