God Has a Purpose for My Life
Pastor’s Column
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 11, 2018
“…but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had”
from Mark 12:41-44
Today’s gospel finds Jesus sitting by the place in the temple where people would put their money offerings, silently watching. Many had lots to give, but Jesus is more attracted to a poor widow who put in only two small coins, for she gives everything she had.
There are times in all of our lives when we may wonder what purpose God has in mind for us or what possible mission or purpose there can be. What am I here for? Why am I sick or have these family troubles or an issue that simply will not go away at work or in my personal life?
This beautiful prayer from Blessed John Newman I hope will help some of you who may need it. Cardinal Newman wrote it during a troubled period of his life. He never lost hope; “God knows what he is about”.
Father Gary
God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.
Blessed John Henry Newman
