Chasing God's plan

 For our spiritual reading we have been using the book by Gianni Asti, Don Bosco and Vocational Accompaniment (translated by Ian Doulton). It is a well-written book. 

Reading and listening from it, I wondered, especially after the episode of Rinaldi and Cagliero.  Don Bosco doggedly pursued Rinaldi.  Not just for days but years.  I could be wrong but Don Bosco did not pursue anyone so persistently as he did with Rinaldi.  Why?  

To add to the mystery, Don Bosco knew (either by insight or divine illumination) that Rinaldi would one day succeed him. If Don Bosco knew that so convincingly, why did he have to run after Rinaldi for so long, that too so painstakingly?  If God had shown Don Bosco that he would be a Salesian and that too with a prominent role to play, why slog so badly?  Don Bosco could have easily taken care of things God hadn't been clear about.  He could have chased after other vocations or matters that God did not give him a clarity about.  If God had so decided that Rinaldi would be a Salesian, why not trust God and let him weave His magic.  

But I think Don Bosco knew all too well, that even though God had his plans and people, Don Bosco had to do his best.  Don Bosco was not a man who would have leaned back on his easy chair and swung his legs on the table, relaxing away in his office.  He was Don Bosco! He had to do his work.  

Don Rua and Don Rinaldi