Yesterday, I encountered two small coincidences that intrigued me. That morning, I was reading about a younger Mother Angelica, known then as Rita Antoinette Rizzo, who suffered from severe abdominal pain despite extensive medical treatment. Her mother took her to Rhoda Wise, a mystic known for her spiritual gifts and stigmatic who claimed to receive visions of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Rhoda instructed Rita to pray a Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and made the girl promise that she would spread devotion to the Saint if she was cured. To my surprise, that very afternoon, I saw a post by EWTN on X (formerly Twitter) promoting a documentary on Rhoda Wise, stating:
“This stigmatist and mystic from Canton, OH was known for spiritual gifts and inexplicable healing miracles. But perhaps her greatest influence was on her local friend, Rita Rizzo, who became EWTN’s Mother Angelica.”
I was astonished because it’s not every day that I read about Mother Angelica’s miraculous healing after her visit to Rhoda Wise. It was during this visit that Mother Angelica experienced a profound healing, which eventually led her to embrace her vocation as a Poor Clare nun. Additionally, it’s rare to see EWTN highlight Rhoda Wise in their posts, making the coincidence all the more striking.
That evening, a truly strange coincidence occurred that left me both amused and bewildered. At exactly 8:07 PM, I decided to check out the upcoming Main Menu of the DAWNTRAIL expansion of my favorite video game, FINAL FANTASY XIV on YouTube, curious to see how the amazingly beautiful and catchy song and music Open Sky for FFXIV would sound.
Just as I was watching the video on my work laptop, something unexpected flashed on my TV screen. To my astonishment, my PS5 suddenly changed FF14’s old ENDWALKER icon (its former expansion) to DAWNTRAIL icon at that precise moment. It felt as if my watching the video had somehow triggered the change. Considering that DAWNTRAIL’s download and early access were still two days away, the timing was simply too strange to be mere coincidence. “Is this a sign,” I said? The exact synchronization of the video and the icon change at the same minute was indeed an uncanny and amusing moment, and even a bit unsettling, making me wonder about the mysterious ways things align in our lives. I posted about it on X because of the surprise I felt.
I don’t know about you, but for me, coincidences are a “normal” part of life. These two examples are just among many ‘coincidences’ I always encounter. But I need to view this with the lens of my Catholic faith—which reminds me that in the first place, are there “coincidences” in our Catholic faith?
My Reflection
1. Most people experience coincidences at various points in their lives, though the frequency and significance of these events can vary greatly from person to person. For those who encounter them frequently, like me, these coincidences can feel particularly meaningful and intriguing.
2. Almost everyone can recall at least one moment when something happened that felt oddly synchronous or serendipitous. There are big coincidences—chance encounters or surprising turns of events that lead to significant outcomes or realizations—that are life-changing for us. But most coincidences are small—small enough that they won’t result in any life-changing outcomes.
3. But whether coincidences are big or small, they particularly stand out because they catch our attention and seem to defy the ordinary flow of events.
4. In Catholic teachings, including those found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the writings of the Saints, the concept of “coincidences” is often viewed through the lens of Divine Providence. We Catholics believe that God has a divine plan for each person who has ever lived, is living, or is yet to be born, and the world.
5. Every event in the life of each and every person, whether significant or seemingly trivial, is part of this greater plan. The CCC explains that nothing happens by chance because everything is within God’s Providence (CCC 303). Even what appears as a “coincidence” can be part of God’s plan. These events, big or small, are considered to have meaning and purpose in the broader context of Divine Providence.
6. Saint Augustine emphasized that God is intimately involved in creation and that nothing happens by chance but is part of God’s providential care. He taught that all events, whether significant or seemingly trivial, are under God’s governance. In his Confessions, Augustine reflects on how everything is contained within God’s Providence, highlighting the belief that every event is part of a divine plan. Similarly, in his City of God, Augustine discusses the idea that God’s will is inherent in all things, suggesting that everything that happens is a manifestation of God’s will.
7. Saint Thomas Aquinas also wrote extensively about Divine Providence and the role of seemingly random events. He argued that all things are subject to Divine Providence, not only in a general sense but also in their individual aspects. In his Summa Theologica, Aquinas elaborates on how God’s Providence encompasses all creation and directs everything towards its ultimate end, including the free actions of human beings. He emphasized that while God’s Providence is universal, it includes and respects human free will, allowing individuals to make genuine choices that contribute to the unfolding of God’s plan.
8. This might make us wonder why we humans have free will if every moment in our lives, no matter how small, is part of God’s providential design. However, we are taught that God’s omniscience and human freedom coexist harmoniously. God’s omniscience means He knows all events and choices we will make, seeing past, present, and future simultaneously (CCC 600). This divine foreknowledge does not interfere with our free will. Instead, it allows for genuine freedom within the framework of His Providence. God respects human freedom and guides us without overriding our ability to choose, as outlined in CCC 303. Free will is a gift that enables us to make meaningful choices, shaping our lives and contributing to God’s plan (CCC 1731).
9. Practically, this means that God’s Providence sets the ultimate goals for creation, within which we exercise our free will. Our choices, whether aligning with or deviating from God’s will, are known to Him and can be used to fulfill His greater purpose. Human free will entails moral responsibility, as we are accountable for our actions. God’s grace guides our choices but does not compel us, maintaining our freedom. The cooperation between grace and free will is central to Catholic understanding, reflecting the synergy where God’s grace initiates, sustains, and completes our actions toward good.
Small coincidences: What’s in it for you and me?
10. We now know that ‘coincidences’ are actually “Divine Providence” in our Catholic terms.
11. Unless coincidences are big or grand to change our lives, most coincidences are small enough that they won’t change our lives. So what are they for? What’s in it for you and me? What importance do they have if they have no apparent beneficial manner? Or so it seems. Because coincidences are actually Divine Providence, it means Divine Providence can’t mean ‘nothing.’ These coincidences are ways in which God communicates His presence and guidance.
12. Small coincidences can be seen as gentle reminders that God is present in your life, paying attention to even the smallest details. They are a way of experiencing His nearness and care, even at times it seems we do not ‘feel’ His presence. These coincidences can serve as sources of encouragement and comfort, reminding you that even if you live alone, and feel alone and that you do not belong anywhere in the world, you are not alone and that God is actively involved in your daily life.
13. They can act as subtle indicators of the direction God wants us to take, talking to us through the “signs” He sends us, nudging us towards certain decisions or actions, whether daily choices or tough decisions. Paying attention to these can help you align your choices with God’s will.
14. For each of us, small coincidences provide opportunities to pause and reflect on your life, your actions, and your relationship with God. Like for me with the two examples I mentioned earlier, I think God wants me to learn more about the words of Mother Angelica. I remember she was still alive when I was in college in University of Santo Tomas, when my schedules often shifted, I often had the chance to pray her daily Rosary Broadcast with the other nuns in the Monastery. She continued living in the cloistered Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama, in the United States, until her death in 2016. But only recently I’ve been reading and watching more of her works.
15. As for the FFXIV video game coincidence, I think the precise timing of the DAWNTRAIL icon change could be a gentle reminder of God’s perfect timing. It may be an invitation to trust in His timing in other areas of my life where I might be experiencing uncertainty or waiting for an answer.
16. God sometimes communicates through light-hearted, joyful moments. This could be a way of reminding me to find joy in simple pleasures and to appreciate the lighter, playful side of life because He is also a part of my life amidst those simple pleasures. He is also reminding me that He is guiding me in all areas of my life, even my leisure activities.
17. I believe that God inspired me to write this article through that small instance of Divine Providence. It reminds me that even the seemingly trivial moments can carry profound meaning, encouraging me to share these reflections and insights with others. Through writing this article, I hope to convey to you the beauty and intricacy of God’s plan, showing how He works through every detail to bring about His purpose in our lives.
18. You and I will be okay if we place our trust in His Divine Providence. For others who do not put their trust in God, things seem random. But we already know better—God shows us that He pays attention to even the smallest details of our lives. We shouldn’t sit around trying to thoroughly analyze the deeper meaning of every coincidence we ever encounter. Each coincidence is a part of an intricate plan for your life and mine—a plan that will only be revealed in His time as we journey through life. Every instance of Divine Providence is like water being collected until it pours, revealing the beautiful plan that God has been laying out for both of us. For instance, when unexpected opportunities or connections arise, it may be God’s way of guiding us toward new paths and possibilities. The Bible encourages us to trust in God’s plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11,
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”
These instances of Divine Providence are opportunities for spiritual growth and an increase in trust in God. By recognizing and reflecting on these moments, we can deepen our faith and reliance on God’s infinite and supreme wisdom. By viewing coincidences as part of God’s plan, we learn to trust more deeply in His guidance and care, knowing that He is always working for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28,
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
19. Coincidences, or Divine Providence, guide us to move forward in life, and not hold on to the past for either sentimental reasons, regrets, and painful memories and experiences, whether through others’ faults or our own, that are weighing us down. Divine Providence often manifests in coincidences that encourage us to embrace new beginnings. When we encounter these moments, it can be a gentle nudge from God to let go of the past and focus on the present and future. We struggle to believe that God can make things new in our lives in a blink. But He says,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
~ Revelation 21:5
This Bible verse is highly relevant because it underscores the promise and power of God’s renewal. It assures us that no matter our past, God has the ability to create new beginnings and transform our lives through His Divine Providence. Each moment of Divine Providence is a reminder of His constant presence and care, encouraging us to trust that He is always working for our good. By embracing these moments, we can find the strength to move forward, confident that God is guiding us toward a future filled with hope and possibility.
20. The majority of us live simple lives, rather than the lives of celebrities filled with fame, sophistication, and glamour. Coincidences, or Divine Providence, help us accept our destiny and life status because they remind us that God is in control and intimately aware of the details of our lives. These moments of Divine Providence reassure us that our lives are part of a greater plan, designed with purpose and love. While it does seem that celebrities have better lives, Divine Providence ensures that each of us receives what we truly need for our own growth and happiness. God’s guidance and care are tailored to benefit us individually, often in ways we may not immediately understand. Our seemingly simple lives are rich with opportunities for personal fulfillment, deep relationships, boundless joy, and genuine happiness. By trusting in Divine Providence, we can find peace and contentment, knowing that our unique journey is perfectly suited for our ultimate good and spiritual well-being.
*All Bible verses are taken from New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE).
Conclusion:
I would like to conclude this article with the words of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a Patroness of The Best Catholic, who often spoke about the “little way” and how small, seemingly insignificant actions were opportunities to express her love for God. One of her notable quotes about the significance of small acts and God’s Providence is:
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
We may not realize how our smallest actions might serve as “coincidences” for others. God could be using our very actions right now as part of His Divine Providence in the grand scheme of things in our Salvation History. Each small act of kindness and love contributes to God’s greater plan, reflecting His love and care for each of us. These acts, though seemingly insignificant, are powerful when done with love because they mirror the selfless love of Jesus Christ and can have a profound impact on those around us.
Coincidentally, or providentially, as I write this at 4:05 PM today, a strange ‘coincidence,’ or Divine Providence, has just happened… I don’t have the free time to sit around and analyze it intricately—but it makes me smile because it reminds me that God is present, and loves me—just as He is present, and loves you too.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, save us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Mama Mary, pray for us!
Amen.
She graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas, the country's Pontifical and Catholic university, with an AB in Legal Management and minor units in Theology.
As an unmarried woman, prayer holds a central place in her daily life, with a focus on the Rosary and the Divine Office. Embodying her faith, she emphasizes the growth of her inner spiritual life, guided by the wisdom of Carmelite spirituality.
God manifested to her in a unique and radical manner, which made her know Who He truly is and led her to total surrender of her life to Him.
She has studied the Bible with her family, developing a particular fondness for the Old Testament.
Her adorable and intelligent toy poodle is a delightful companion in her daily life, bringing warmth and joy to her home.
Her hobbies include reading about everything, learning Japanese and German, listening to music and playing the flute.
In her leisure time, she enjoys gaming on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo 3DS, iOS and OS, and collecting things related to PlayStation and Nintendo.
Email: [email protected]
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