Fulfilling God's Plan for our Lives

10-17-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear People of God.

Good morning to you . I welcome you all to the Joint Fall Festival which is going to be this Sunday, October 17 at our Immaculate Conception Church.

On this 29th Sunday in Ordinary time, our readings convey how deeply God understands our weaknesses and sufferings, and how we are called to imitate Him through humility and service. Our First Reading reminds us that Jesus suffered for us — “through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.” Out of love for us, He willingly submitted to this to fulfill His Father’s mission.

Similarly, our Second Reading reminds us that the Son of God suffered, was tempted, and died for us. He is not distant from the reality that sin is among us, or that pain and sorrow affect us. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.” We have a God who personally understands each one of us and what we are going through each day of our lives.

In our Gospel, we are reminded that Jesus went through all of this — becoming flesh, suffering, and dying — to serve us. Although He is God, He became man and surrendered His life into the hands of men so that we might be saved. The life of Jesus was centered around His Father’s mission and the service of mankind. James and John wanted to ensure they had a spot in heaven with Jesus. They were concerned about themselves in that moment, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus quickly reminded them, “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as ransom for many

As Christians, we are called to live our lives in service of God and neighbor, just as Jesus did. Our life is about fulfilling God’s glorious plan for each one of us. So let us make it our daily mission to do the will of God. It will look different for each one of us. Today, let us recall that we have a loving God who completely understands us and sympathizes with us. He is waiting for us to call on Him for mercy and strength. Yet, let us also recall that our God challenges us to be imitators of Him by becoming humble servants for God and neighbor.

Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday!

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Doss

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