Readings:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17
Psalm 96:10-13
Matthew 23:23-26
Most people struggle with three basic issues in life:
The first is identity: “Who am I?”
The second is importance: “Do I matter?”
The third is impact: “What is my place in life?”
The answers to all three questions are found in the five purposes for which you were created.
Your purpose fulfils your five deepest needs:
A purpose to live for (to love God),
People to live with (communion with the Church),
Principles to live by (be Christ-like),
A profession to live out (service to humanity),
And power to live on (Evangelisation or ministry).
It is God who confers purpose:
He made you a member of his family,
A model of His character,
A magnifier of his glory,
A minister of his grace,
And a messenger of his Good News to others.
Of these five purposes, the fifth can only be done on earth. The other four you will keep doing in eternity in some way. That’s why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfil your mission. “God has called you through the Gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). While God created each of us for the same five eternal purposes, the way you fulfil those purposes — the time, place, plan, and style — is absolutely unique. Are you making effort to fulfil your purpose in life?
Saint Monica's purpose is couched in her final words to Saint Augustine her son: For my part, my son, I no longer find pleasure in anything that this life holds…One thing only there was for which I desired to linger in this life: to see you a Catholic Christian before I died. And my God has granted this to me more lavishly than I could have hoped, letting me see even you spurning earthly happiness to be his servant...One thing only do I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, reveal my true purpose in life.
Lord, teach me to walk in your footsteps.
Lord, show me what I must do.
Lord, help me to forgive past hurts and traumas.
Lord, forgive my presumption and preoccupation with my own dreams.
Lord, help me to stay close to You daily in Your Word and Sacraments.
Lord, give me the grace and willingness to serve.
Lord, let my life glorify You.
Lord, bless all mothers and future mothers; make them prayerful and patient.
Bless all Your children everywhere. Incline their hearts to Your love and mercy. Amen.
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