Philip Raj A csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 3: 1-9; Lk 4: 38-44
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the theme, “Our Purpose in This World.” We believe that each of us is created with a unique purpose, which we are called to discover and fulfil according to God’s plan.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus exemplifies this clarity of purpose. He knows exactly what his mission is and allows this purpose to guide his actions and decisions. Through his preaching and healing ministry, Jesus fulfils the mission entrusted to him by the Heavenly Father, touching and transforming the lives of many people.
His example encourages us to seek our own purpose and remain faithful to God’s will. In the first reading, St. Paul addresses the church in Corinth, which was experiencing division and leading the believers to act immaturely. The Corinthians placed too much emphasis on human leaders and gave credit to people rather than to God. Paul reminds them that both he and Apollos were simply servants of God, dedicated to spreading the “Good News.” Their true purpose was to serve God, who empowered them with the Holy Spirit to be bold and courageous in their mission.
As Pope Francis once said, “We feel called to pour onto the world the love received from the Lord, to offer it in the church, in the family, in society, to join it in serving and in giving ourselves.” We must examine our lives and consider our purpose: Are we more focused on a self-derived purpose than on what God wants for us? Let us seek to discover our true purpose in life and remain focused on bringing great glory to the name of our Lord.