Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44
Reflection:
To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent. Luke 4:43
Like many people, I often think it would be nice to know exactly what path God wants me to take in this life. Over the years I’ve discussed this with a number of friends and clergy. How do I discern exactly what it is God wants me to do? It is said St. Paul of the Cross discerned God’s will through prayer, speaking with others around him, and the circumstances he found himself in.
But Jesus speaks plainly of his task: “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.“ It’s interesting to note that the phrase “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” is only three words in the Greek. It’s basically the idea that God is here among us and has everything in hand. I sometimes wonder if that was the message of Jesus, if that was his only task. If so, why do I keep wondering what my task is? Wouldn’t my task be to live in the kingdom of God? To share with others God’s love? To be the risen Christ to everyone I meet?
I wonder if I don’t over-complicate things in my life. I want to have a grandiose plan for what I’m supposed to do. This gospel seems to tell me that I’m to live my life as I find it with the knowledge that God has everything in hand.
My prayer for today is that I can surrender my will to God and live in His kingdom as I find it.
Talib Huff is a volunteer and presenter at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California.