The devil is in the details
God in the details! Did you do a double take?“ Isn’t it “the devil is in the details”!
It is a handy way of saying something is complicated! Details can cause failure. Small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on.
We have all experienced its truth. Ever forget to check for gas, lock the door, etc?
How many know the origin of the saying? I thought it was an ancient insight. However, although used around1960, it did not become common until the 1990s.
It seems be a twist on a German proverb, ‘God is in the detail’, from the late 1800’s.
How is God in the details?
With his eye for details, Pope Francis highlights Jesus’ attention to detail.
“Let us not forget that Jesus asked his disciples to pay attention to details.
- The little detail that wine was running out at a party.
- The little detail that one sheep was missing.
- The little detail of noticing the widow who offered her two small coins.
- The little detail of having spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom delay.
- The little detail of asking the disciples how many loaves of bread they had.
- The little detail of having a fire burning and a fish cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak.”
He offers a picture of a God who notice the details.
He writes this in context of reflections on “signs of holiness in today’s world.” (Rejoice and be glad)#144)
Some related quotes…
“In God’s great plan, every detail is important, even yours, even my humble little witness, even the hidden witness of those who live their faith with simplicity in everyday family relationships, work relationships, and friendships. “
#7. “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people:
- in those parents who raise their children with immense love
- in those men and women who work hard to support their families
- in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile
“In their daily perseverance, I see the holiness of the Church militant. Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbors, those who, living in our midst, reflect God’s presence. We might call them “the middle class of holiness”.
Saints are not special kinds of people!
Paraphrasing Brother David Steindl-Rast, “Saints are not special kinds of people. We are each special kinds of saints”.
Pope Francis writes…
#11“Each in his or her own way” the (Second Vatican) Council says. We should not grow discouraged before examples of holiness that appear unattainable. There are some testimonies that may prove helpful and inspiring, but that we are not meant to copy, for that could even lead us astray from the one specific path that the Lord has in mind for us.
“The important thing is that each believer discerns his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (cf. 1 Cor 12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them. We are all called to be witnesses, but there are many actual ways of bearing witness.“
In other words, it is in the details of our lives that we find and manifest God.
The details of our lives
- Who are the people who showed us God by their attention to detail?
- Do we find God in the details of our lives?
Click below for an audio version of this Vincentian Mindwalk.
Another gem and friendly reminder that we’re each tasked to walk the path given us, even if we sometimes found ourselves off the path. Some of those sidesteps helped shape the person we have become and equipped us to relate better to those who come to us in need. We recognize our vulnerability in them and they in us.
Thank you for pointing to the silver lining in our sidesteps. I suppose they do make us recognize our poverty and help us feel at home among those in need as we are. There we can delight in the communion of the saints, especially as we help each other out, from each according to one’s ability, to each according to one’s needs.
The union in mission of the details is what, I think, led to the use of the devil. Think of herding cats. And when we speak of the devil, think of easily distracted cats. The unity in mission, the kingdom of God, seems to me to be a yes to the source of life in us who is the Spirit. We are empowered for mission and it is really a “we” that the empowerment forms.
Thanks again, John. Your thoughts on not comparing oneself to the saintliness of others are helpful ones.
Just to be clear… those were Pope Francis’ own words.
What do I think? I think that this Mindwalk is a personal gift of God (and Fr. John!) to me on a special day.
Today in 2015 my mom returned to God’s house! My husband had told me to take at least 2-3 weeks to go to Rome and visit with mom and my whole family, who lives there, even if this time he could not accompany me. I told him that I would have gone just for 10 days from October 20th to 30th. My family had told me that there was NO need to go to Rome since mom was doing fine after her fall, a month earlier. Well, I went and, on October 25th, mom died.
Yes, God is not only the God of the BIG saints! At times, God astonishes me because, even in the midst of the most painful moments of my life, when everything crumbled down, small things, that only God and I know, happened to me that would make an atheist BELIEVE that yes, there is a God, and we are in the palm of God’s hand. No other rational explanation would apply.
I know that I am not the only one who has such experiences because God loves each and everyone of us in “tender” ways.
Austrian historian Friedrich Heer said that Francis of Assisi “knew no ‘against,’ no boundaries….” Even when in his last years he had the “crucifying knowledge that his ideals were being mutilated,” St. Francis had no recriminations even against those responsible for such mutilation. Near death, he said: “I have done what I had to do; may Christ teach you what is your part.”
May Christ help each believer, yes, to discern his or her own path.