God's thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways (Is 55:8). "As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are" His ways and thoughts above ours (Is 55:9).

For example, man's ways are divorce and re-marriage. All human societies have had divorce and re-marriage, because lifelong monogamy is very difficult for us with our fallen human nature. However, God's ways are: No divorce and no re-marriage (without an annulment). He can have such extreme ways because He is God, Who has given us a new nature in the crucified and risen Christ.

Also, man's way is that we humans have sexual relations. Sexual relations are obviously natural. Nevertheless, God's way for some is that they have no sexual relations. Some disciples of Jesus are called to renounce "sex for the sake of God's reign" (Mt 19:12) and in imitation of Jesus.

These are only two of thousands of examples of God's ways being different and higher than ours. "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17) Renew your Baptism. Be radically new (see Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 15, 2017

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