Prepare for the worst scenario

IF we are truly smart and clever, which is what Christ

himself told us when he said, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as

doves,” (Mt 10,16) we would be preparing for the worst scenario every

time we plan or launch a project, a business, an enterprise.

            This is simply because despite our best efforts to plan

these projects well, there is always the possibility that the exact

opposite of what we expect would happen. There are factors and

elements that are beyond our control. While it’s true that our

prospect for success is always infinite, the same is also true with

the possibility of failure.

            We should just be ready and game when the opposite of what

we desire happens, learning how to let go and move on, instead of

getting entangled in the web of sadness, self-pity, anxiety,

depression and the like. These latter conditions would only worsen

things further.

            By preparing for the worst scenario, we would be imitating

Christ himself who, in redeeming us, prepared himself for the worst.

In fact, he already knew about his death and how it was going to be.

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him,”

he told his disciples, “and three days after his death the Son of Man

will rise.” (Mk 9,31)

            Preparing for the worst scenario may mean that we come out

with various alternative plans so that we can move on. This is always

recommendable. But we have to remember that the most important way to

prepare for the worst is just to be with God. It is always possible

that even our alternative plans may fail. Yet what cannot fail is when

we stick with God no matter what.

            This point was highlighted in that episode of the sisters,

Martha and Mary, welcoming Christ in their house. (cfr. Lk 10,38-42)

Martha was busy doing the chores of hospitality, while Mary simply sat

at the foot of Christ, listening to him.

            When Martha complained to Christ that her sister was not

helping her, Christ reminded her that while what she was doing were

good, there was only one thing that was necessary, and Mary, her

sister, chose it, and it will not be taken away from her.

            We have to be clear about this point. Yes, we will try our

best, stretching ourselves to the limit, to make all our projects and

endeavors succeed. Still things can turn out the opposite. Due to this

possibility we make some alternative plans to move on. But still,

these may fail. The last resort, and in fact, what should always be

with us, should be the conviction that we be with God whatever be the

outcome of our efforts.

            St. Paul in his letter to the Romans assures us that as

long as we are with God, everything will work out for the good. “We

know that in all things,” he said, “God works for the good of those

who love him…” (8,28)

            We just have to make sure that our love of God is always

vibrant. We have to make it grow day by day. We have to feel that love

so intensely such that it is actually what would energize us in any

endeavor we have.

            We have to see to it that we do not take this love for

granted. This is the best and ultimate weapon we have to prepare for

the worst scenario of any project we have. With this love, we would be

willing to go through what Christ himself went through—suffering all

the indignities of the world and ultimately dying on the cross.

            But then, after death, there is the resurrection, the

final victory that is meant for all of us, irrespective of how we fare

in this life.