Editor’s Note: This is a summary of a homily from Fr. Ben Daghir at DuBois Central Catholic. (Gospel of John 5:17-30).
“God, what do you want me to do with my life?”
I would like to repeat the last line of today’s Gospel, “because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” Listen to that line from Jesus again, “because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”
The life of Jesus is all about doing the Father’s will. We now have a life lesson worth considering, regardless of our age. There are those who seek to do their own will and those who seek to do God’s will. Let me translate this into a practical language for those of us in middle or high school.
Individuals who want to do their own will may say, “I am going to do this and then I'm going to do that. And then after that, I’ll do this, this, and then that. I am going to be behind the driver's seat of my life and be in control. I will dictate and narrate what happens. I will call the shots.”
Individuals who seek to do God’s will sound more like this, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?” These people are humble, patient, and desire to listen to a higher voice. They are reflective and are willing to seriously consider life experiences. These people also reflect on encounters with role models. In fact, they see life as an adventure and approach it with curiosity.
As all of us know, our culture promotes following one’s will. We hear phrases such as: “find your inner voice” and “discover yourself” and “it’s your truth.” Christianity sounds much different though: “find God’s voice” and “discover God’s plan for you” and “Jesus Christ is the truth.” The great Christian claim (and it has held true for over 2,000 years) is that those who follow the Father’s will are the happiest and most joyful people. It really is that simple: following God’s will leads to happiness and adventure. The Lord’s plans for us will always be more remarkable, amazing, and incredible than anything we could try to do on our own.
I encourage you to ask the Lord, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?” I promise you that God will answer the question. Now, He may answer the question with a whisper or He may shout quite loudly for you to hear. He may answer you with a life experience or a thought or an encounter. He may answer it only once or He may say it thousands of times for you to hear. God is going to answer your question in such a way that you can understand. He will answer it in a personal and powerful way for you.
God has a plan for you. He has a purpose and a mission for you. Follow the path of Christ and allow your life to be one that seeks to do the Father’s will. Have the courage to ask, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?”
+ Fr. Ben Daghir