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One thing is certain: When the time has come, nothing which is man-made will subsist. One day, all human accomplishments will be reduced to a pile of ashes. But every single child to whom a woman has given birth will live forever, for he has been given an immortal soul made to God's image and likeness."
Alice von Hildebrand, The Privilege of Being a Woman
On June 24th, we celebrate the Birth of St. John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has been none greater” (Mt. 11:11). The Gospel reading for this Sunday recounts the story of John’s birth and naming, his father’s confirmation of this child’s name and mission, and the wonder, fear, and discussion about what this child’s purpose might be.
John’s mission was unique and fulfilled an important part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. But surely God’s plan for each child is no less unique. God has given each of us a mission. Our lives are meant to glorify God, and our particular gifts and circumstances are given to us to help us accomplish that purpose. In our times, many people have forgotten that they were created to know, love, and serve God. This leaves an empty space in the heart and soul that can lead to despair. Discovering our lives’ meaning and purpose is the antidote to the hopelessness that seems to pervade modern society.
Knowing God and seeking His purpose for our lives leads to fruitfulness and joy, even in the face of suffering. In contrast, those who do not yet know God and fail to seek Him may give in to fear and despair, which are the basis for the “Culture of Death” and all the darkness it encompasses, including abortion, euthanasia, and suicide.
Christians are given the mission to bring the light of Christ into a dark world, to spread the Good News that each humble and hidden life matters. Like John, every unborn child has a unique purpose to fulfill. Like Jesus, each suffering person can participate in the salvation of the world, and every person who comforts the lonely and despairing helps Christ to conquer evil.
Find your purpose. Fulfill your mission. And let every moment of your life bring glory to God!
Born and raised in a faithful Catholic family, I wandered far from my faith for nearly two decades. Through the infinite mercy of Christ and His Church, I found my way back home to the Catholic Church in the early 90s, and began a path of rediscovery of the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree in Christian Tradition. A stay-at-home Mom for many years, my Church ministries grew to include teaching Catechism and First Eucharist classes, writing and facilitating retreats for healing after abortion, and becoming active in pro-life work with our local 40 Days for Life campaign in the Tri-Cities, Washington as an organizer, participant, speaker, and writer. My desire to share the greatest gift of my life, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and His Divine Mercy, has found expression in my writing. My articles have been published locally in the Tri-City Herald's Spiritual Life and editorial columns; in the Carmelite Digest; Celebrate Life magazine; and recently in the National Catholic Register.
Links to these articles and more can be found on my blog at http://www.catholicethics.blogspot.com/. My Catholic Ethics page is on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/CatholicEthics.
