Sense of Purpose and Identity

 

Is God’s will fulfilled in us?

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, September 6th, 2023
Texts: Colossians 1:1-8; Psalm 52:10-11; Luke 4:38-44 

We see in today’s readings the sense of purpose and identity. St. Paul shows us, in today’s first reading, that what he became was according to God’s will. He was sure that what he became was what God desired of him. This is to say the will of God was fulfilled in him. Like St. Paul, can we say that God is proud of what we have become? Is God’s will fulfilled in us? God’s will was fulfilled in St. Paul because his faith in Christ was true and he lived life of love. He knew his heart was in the right place and did serve the living God. He discovered God’s purpose for himself and lived it. 

Jesus Christ, in today’s gospel reading, shows a strong sense of purpose. This is clear in the words: “And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them; but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.” Some people have lost their identity and divine purpose because of their compliance with worldly demands on them. 

Do not be conformed to this world

Jesus teaches us today not to allow worldly demands change our Christian identity and purpose. Let us listen to St. Paul: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). Conformity to this world can only make out of us the wrong versions of ourselves. Like the people of Colossae, our faith in Christ and our love for our neighbours should be outstanding. We should live in Conformity to the word of the truth the Church teaches us. 

Prayer 

God our Creator, we thank You for Your good will towards us, may Your will be fulfilled in us; help us to discover Your will and live according to it. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke