Right Place at the Right Time

Do you believe in luck or fate?

This was the title of a priest’s homily at a recent morning mass. He said that we are the salt of the earth to bring flavor to others. He reflected on the Old Testament reading of Elijah who was fed by the widow. She was preparing to die before Elijah the prophet approached her to prepare a meal for him. By preparing this last meal for Elijah from her almost empty jar of oil and flour, the widow was blessed. The jar of oil and flour replenished itself for a year to provide sustenance for the widow, her son, and Elijah until the rains came. The priest said that God places us in planned circumstances.

There are many examples of being in the right place at the right time and being the salt of the earth. For example, I communicate with a Spanish-speaking seminarian who needs help with the English language. My previous training as an English teacher is being used to help him now. The circumstances of our meeting were related to a “giving tree”.

A few years ago, I picked the seminarian’s card off the Christmas tree that was set up in our parish church. Cards were placed on that tree for both seminarians and children. When I picked this seminarian’s card and realized he was Spanish speaking, I inserted a note along with a gift card. The note stated that I would be happy to help him with his English if he ever needed my help in the future. Two years later, I received an email asking for my help. This seminarian was lonely and struggling with his mastery of the English language. He prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Then he opened his Bible to find my note. Since I was also praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit, I believe our prayers were answered accordingly.
In retrospect, my picking this particular seminarian’s name from a group of cards dangling from the “Giving Tree” was meant to be.

Now the principle of being in the right place at the right time applies to all of us.
However, many people think that being in the right place at the right time is a matter of "luck" or by chance. Even those tough situations. 
Some people use this popular expression to describe various events such as survivors of natural disasters, fires, or terrorist attacks. They attribute “luck” as the reason they escaped in time to save their lives.

The Bible has various examples of people who were placed in situations to advance God’s will. Moses, Joseph, and Esther are a few examples from The Old Testament.

I will focus on Esther who is the heroine of the Purim story. The Jewish people lived in the sprawling Persian Empire and were threatened from Haman ’s evil scheme to annihilate them.
The book of Esther begins with the powerful King of Persia (Ahasuerus) banishing his queen and seeking a replacement. Esther is the adopted daughter of Mordecai. She finds favor with the king and becomes queen of the realm (Ch.2:17). Her position is further strengthened when Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king, and informs him through Esther.
In Chapter 3, we find Haman plotting to have the Jews eliminated; however, Esther successfully petitions the king to have it stopped.
Consequently, Haman is hanged on the very gallows that he had prepared for the Jews.
In Esther, we have an example of God placing individuals in places of power and influence in order to fulfill his plans.

We should recognize that it is God's timing and not ours. If we recognize that God got us where we are and not luck, then we have the choice of acknowledging Him and searching for a way to serve Him. For example, Tim Tebow became a celebrated NFL Quarterback and he used his popularity to be a witness of his Christian faith.

Esther's story had a successful conclusion but she had to risk her life by going to the king to expose the plot to kill all the Jews. Sometimes our time and place will require a sacrifice. For example, parents, who commit their time and energy to raise a handicapped child, do so with the understanding that it is the right thing to do. Moreover, God sends special graces of peace and strength to parents and others during these sacrificial times of caring for others.

Time and place are great opportunities for us to judge our character. What kind of faith do we have?

Conversely, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to trouble.
Teens who “hang out” with gangs late at night are heading for trouble.
Life is short so we should use the time and place God has given us wisely.
We can do this by glorifying God and accepting His sovereignty over every time and place in our lives.

In conclusion,  St. Paul reminds us "…God causes all things to work together for good…" (Romans 8:28). We do not believe in blind luck but in an eternal God who creates opportunities and blessings for our lives.