Purpose

Today's Scripture

There is A LOT going on in today's Gospel. This is one of the busiest passages that you will read in Scripture. Jesus is working at a fever pace. Healing well into the night and rising before dawn to pray. I have written more than once about this frenetic pace. But today it was another line that drew my attention: "For this purpose have I come."

While what Jesus is doing is truly fascinating, we have to agree that why He is doing it is ultimately more important. So, what is His purpose? He says let us go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there also. So, we might assume that He came to preach, which is true, but we have to take it one step further. What is He preaching? The Good News! And what is the Good News? That He has come to reconcile us to the Father and open the gates of Heaven for us.

There is a parable that talks about the master of the house sending out his servants to bring in everyone from the highways and byways to fill his banquet. That is what Jesus is doing. He is inviting all to come to the great feast that awaits them in heaven. His job is to fill the banquet, and by extension then, it is our job also. It is a job that supersedes all other jobs. In the end, it will not matter how many widgets we make or sell or invent. It is of zero consequence if we don't make it to heaven ourselves or bring others with us. Now to be clear, we don't bring them to heaven ourselves - the Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting there, but like Jesus, our purpose is to share the Good News.

What is the Good News in your life? What have been the deepest experiences of God for you? Have you shared that with anyone? It is what we are called to do. It is our purpose if we are to wear the name Christian. If you haven't done this yet, think about someone in your life that you can share the Good News with. Once you have shared it one time, it becomes easier and maybe surprisingly - sharing it feels SO GOOD.

IMPORTANT NOTE: On January 30 - Feb. 1 I will be leading a retreat for men at St. Paul's Monastery and Retreat Center on the South Side of Pittsburgh called "The Way of a Brother" We will have some great guys sharing their stories and ready to listen to yours. We will have a time of learning, reflecting, conversation, adoration and celebration. SIGN UP HERE - Space is limited so sign up now.