God, Who can do all things, obviously doesn't need our help. Nevertheless, He lets us be involved in His awesome works. For example, when God created the animals, birds, and even the first woman, He could have done it all Himself. Instead "He brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name" (Gn 2:19).

For the Jewish people, naming was not an insignificant task but one of giving someone or something its identity. Therefore, by having Adam name the animals, birds, and the first woman, God let Adam be a co-creator. The Lord also gives us other exceptional opportunities. For example, the Syro-Phoenician woman was given the power to move up the time for Jesus' ministry to the Gentiles (Mk 7:27ff). The Lord has even given us the power to hasten His second coming (2 Pt 3:12). The Lord has chosen to make us not spectators but co-creators and participants in His glorious plan of salvation (see Heb 11:40).

Therefore, what we do and when we do it makes a difference. We have been given opportunities to further God's work or to hinder it. Our lives are very important. By His grace, we must be responsible. "Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord" (Eph 5:17).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

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