Gn 11:1-9 Ps 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15 Mk 8:34-9:1

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

The Genesis reading about the Tower of Babel has always been fascinating to me because this was a time when the entire world was unified; a time when all populations, regardless of ethnicity or creed, banded together for a single cause. Has there been any other recorded time in the history of mankind when this has happened? I honestly can’t recall any other incident similar to this. If you can imagine the potential of a single individual for greatness, how about the potential of the entirety of man? Even God recognizes that potential for the greatness man can achieve.

As many may know, the story of the Tower of Babel ends with God scattering man across the earth, separating them and confusing their language. Why did God do this? Why would an all-powerful, freely-loving God intentionally break up his people? I don’t think that God did this out of jealousy or fear. In Genesis, God says, “If now, while they are one people, all speaking the same language, they have started to do this, nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do.” It seems counterintuitive to break up a team that is working together so beautifully, but it was for man’s own good. In building the tower, humanity was seeking glory for itself rather than for God. As it reads in Psalms, “The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of people [BUT…and this is a big 'but'] the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.”

So in applying this story to our lives, I believe that we need to really look into our hearts and at our intentions. If our desires are to glorify God and are aligned with his will for us, will our gracious God deny what we ask? On the same token, if our desires are for the sake of ourselves, our egos and pride, will our just and loving God grant us what we wish? We need to understand that God’s plan for us completely supersedes our plans for ourselves; and when we understand that and live such a life accordingly God will say ‘Well done.’