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Question
Dear father,
what does it mean when Jesus says “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me”? (Jh 6:44).
It could sound like God predestines (draws to him) some and not others. If this isn’t the case, how should we interpret this?
Priest’s answer
Dearest,
1. In order to adhere to a supernatural reality, a divine, supernatural motion is required.
Man, by its own efforts, can neither know it nor draw from it.
This divine motion is grace.
2. Man can adhere to Christ recognized as God only through a supernatural light.
From a merely human point of view, man sees in Christ extraordinary things, whose origin is unknown.
It is only through divine light infused into man (faith) that we know the identity of Christ.
It’s obvious that nobody can, by himself, take the divine light which allows us to adhere to God, since it’s supernatural.
Given that we can only receive it, theological faith will only ever be a gift from God.
3. By predestination we mean that God calls us to enter into a life of communion with Him.
Not just this, but He also sanctifies us and gives us the means to achieve the goal.
This is the true theological concept of predestination, which is not the same as predetermination.
4. God offers everybody Faith (divine light) because He “he wants everyone to be saved
and reach full knowledge of the truth.” (1Tm 2:4).
However, in those who get lost, predestination, meaning the plan for salvation, doesn’t come to fruition.
This doesn’t happen because of God’s will, but because of man’s will which refuses it.
I wish you a Holy Christmas.
I recommend you to the Lord and bless you.
Father Angelo