How often recently have we heard the word re-calculate?  Re-calculate is spoken automatically from our GPS when the programmed plan to arrive at an unknown or unsure destination is interrupted.  A re-calculation is also noted automatically when the established destination isn’t followed exactly.

The GPS wants the fixed format followed exactly without any divergence. If the navigator makes even the slightest change, the GPS shouts, “Re-calculating.” I wondered how many times God shouted re-calculate to his creation when they choose a different route than what God intended?

It probably started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve decided to eat the forbidden fruit because God’s friendship was not enough for them. God’s re-calculation was to banish both out of Eden and hide his face from all creation.

Then later, because God missed his creation, he again chose to re-calculate to reconnect with them.  This time he would show them how to be faithful and made his biggest re-calculation. God sent his son to reconcile creation with their creator. Now this decision was a big risk for God.

Why? This re-calculation would connect God to creation for all eternity.  Through his  incarnate son born of woman, God’s son would be similar to all creation. Did God really want to take a risk that great with the likes of such an imprudent creation?

With trust and regard for his son to transform creation into faithful followers, God re-calculated with a resounding “Yes!” God had completely re-calculated his plan because of his persistent love. God was saying: “I have hold and I will not let go.”

God’s commitment to his created people was now in place for eternity. God’s utmost recalculation is now firmly in place.

“Tenui nec dimittam.” Motto of the Oblates of St Francis de Sales

“I have hold and I will not let go!”