We can notice from the readings of the Old Testament that the prophets of old had already expressed the impossibility of fathoming the Lord�s mind. Also, the Psalmist says: �Great is the Lord...and his greatness is unsearchable� (Psalm 144:3). Here, the seeking of the mind turns to the adoration of the heart. Which end up in a mystery that we cannot now understand. If we can say that all things come from God; that all things have their being through God, and that all things end in God, what more is left to say, knowing that God gave us minds? It is our duty to use that mind to think to the very limits of our human thought. Though we may get to a point when the mind cannot go further, and, when that limit is reached, all that is left is to accept and to adore, for one can only give him glory and profess one�s faith with a resounding "Amen."

The second part of the reading shows that the most excellent knowledge that man can have is the knowledge of God. This knowledge of God can be reached through our own natural reason, as well as through divine revelations. Our own natural reason tells us that there must be a Supreme Being who created the entire universe. He is the One who made all things and keeps them in existence. Though, as St. Thomas says, by creating the world, God did not increase His own happiness, since He was infinitely happy from all eternity, He rather manifest His glory externally by sharing His goodness. All creatures, by their very existence, show forth the glory of God, for all depend on God for their existence. In the Acts of the Apostle, St. Luke says that "In God we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17: 28).

In order, therefore, that we may know Him and His perfections more firmly and more deeply, God has given us divine revelations, which present us with clearer knowledge about His nature than reason could provide, and also manifest some truths which natural reason could never learn by its own efforts. Man is raised to the supernatural order only by grace, a free gift of God, for nothing created can satisfy man�s desire for complete happiness. History and experience show that no worldly goods can fully satisfy man�s longing for happiness. Our earthly, imperfect happiness is in proportion to our approach to God. The more closely we approach God by the practise of virtue, under the influence of God�s grace, the greater will be our happiness. For the scripture says: "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him." We may enjoy the innocent pleasures and reasonable comforts of life, so far as they do not lead us away from God.

Now, if we believe that this God is a God of love, then the conviction that absolutely everything comes from him, has its meaning in him, and is destined for him, can only be a supreme consolation in the face of all mystery. For there are many times in life when there is nothing left to do but to say: "I have thought, and I cannot see the reason and the way. I cannot grasp the mind of God, but with my whole heart I trust His love. Your will be done!"

Philip C.I.M. Agbasoga, 2007.