What’s our purpose in life? Jesus’ words in the Gospel today give us a good place to start. Matthew Zurcher, SJ, reflects on finding purpose by focusing on others, as God does. Based on the readings for Sunday, January 23, 2022.
Looking for purpose? Today, Jesus has some suggestions.
Hi, I’m Matthew Zurcher and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
Baptized and back from the desert, Jesus begins his public ministry by laying out his own vision of purpose. Of all the things God could have chosen to prioritize in his Incarnation, God chose to offer glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed.
Today we often look for purpose in accumulation. Money, possessions, and shallow experiences offer counterfeit fulfillment that only leave us wanting more. But Jesus shows us that it is in a life of giving that we receive. Jesus proclaims a God who gives. Joy, healing, and liberation; a crown of beauty for our ashes. We, as individual parts of Christ’s body, are called to participate in that gift.
Today let’s ask how we can give gladness to the poor and freedom to the oppressed through conversation, friendship, and material support. By letting God turn us into gifts, we receive the treasure of enduring purpose.
