3rd Sunday After Epiphany
Are we the ones pulling the strings in our life? Are we the puppeteer or the puppet? These questions lie at the heart of our reflection on one of the common sayings we think is in the Bible: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Philosophers and scientists have debated the question of agency and free will for centuries, as have theologians and devoted disciples. At first glance, there seems to be little to dispute about the phrase “everything happens for a reason.” There are indeed consequences. However, those five words often have an underlying interpretation, particularly in church circles: “Everything happens for God’s reason.” But is this idea Biblical? I believe that the Bible has much more to say. Much of our story with God involves how God has chosen to grant us agency in our lives and the world. Because of this, not every consequence is God’s consequence. Yet, God is still at work redeeming, healing, and calling us to do the same. God doesn’t want puppets; God wants partners.
