If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that

“‘Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit’–you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. Instead you should say, ‘If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.’” (JAS 4: 13-15)

It is not against planning; it is about planning with respect to God’s will. Our lives have a purpose—to live with God forever; our only desire should be “to do this or that,” which brings us closer to God and to His will. When we recognize God’s will, we should do everything to make the best plans to realize them.

“I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (Gospel Acclamation)