The cross of Christ or the cross of the world (which are you carrying)
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It’s the question, at some point, most people ask. What is the purpose of life? There are times when it appears we know exactly what the meaning and purpose of life is and there are times we may feel it has none. St. Paul tells us there is, indeed, a purpose and that purpose is all about God.
“In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7-12 emphasis mine)
As we approach the conclusion of Lent and enter the Easter liturgical season, we should remember that we are bought with a price. It is for our redemption that Christ gave his life. It is for our healing of the chains and scars of sin that He, himself, was chained like a criminal and left with scars. He chose you. Let that sink in for a moment. He chose you. He loves you. He sees you.
“In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose” (vs. 11) You have a purpose. You have value and worth. Christ sealed and proclaimed your value, dignity, and worth on the cross of Calvary 2,000 years ago. He said you were worth suffering, you were worth agony, you were worth embarrassment, you were worth mockery, you were worth mistreatment, you were worth blood and sweat, you were worth his own life. No matter what others on this earth may tell you, it is through Christ you have purpose. It is through Christ you have value.
Your purpose in life is the glory of God. St. Paul tells the Ephesians this clearly as he reminds them that they were purchased with the blood of Christ so that they may be forgiven of their sins. He reminds us of that same truth. You are “chosen” and “destined” for a purpose and that purpose is “for the praise of his glory”. It is for the glory of God that you exist and, therefore, let your actions and life reflect the glory of the One who died for you on Calvary. Let your words, meditation of your heart, and beliefs glorify God. That is what you were created for and that is what you were meant to do. That is the purpose of your life. Go live it!
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
