Science presents us with various theories concerning how the human species came about. They are all very interesting and give us a good idea how we got our start. But the question should arise as to why are we here?
Is there a purpose to our existence? My faith leads me to believe God made us, made us in a most wonderful way – in his image and likeness. Yes, we may agree that God made us, but why did he make us? As I consider that question, I’m drawn back to my earlier years of studying the Baltimore Catechism, where we learned that God made us to know Him, love Him, serve Him and ultimately be happy with Him in heaven. God made us to be happy with Him in heaven, and the path to that happiness is found in knowing, loving and serving Him. Let’s unfold this formula for happiness.
First, we are called to know Him. This may take on different forms, but let’s begin with study. God reveals Himself in many ways, one of which is Sacred Scripture. Reading Scripture presents us with a pretty good understanding of what God expects of us. In the Old Testament, the study of God’s statutes and decrees was how Israel learned to be in right relationship with God. Our prayerful reading of Scripture leads to a better understanding of how we are to act toward God and others.
In the New Testament, the words and actions of Jesus and the early Church give us clear direction on how our relationship with God and others must proceed. The study of the lives of the saints presents us with a wonderful understanding of God in their lives as we seek to better deepen our knowledge of God in our own lives. By reading Scripture, the lives of the saints and studying Church teachings concerning God, our relationship with Him grows. But we need to deepen that relationship, get to know Him better. That’s the role of prayer in our life.
Prayer is basically a conversation with God. If we seek to know more about other people, we would seek out others and converse with them, learning more about them. In a similar way, prayer becomes a conversation with God. In prayer, God reveals Himself, deepening our relationship the more we pray.
Considering our love for God, we read in Scripture that we are called to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, in other words, with our entire being. Our expression of such love can be found in how we treat others. God has made us in His image and likeness – but do we show love and respect toward that image and likeness in others? Do we reject those who are different than us, thus rejecting God’s image in them? Our love for God must reflect the love that Jesus has shown us, which ultimately led Him to the Cross. The best expression of our love for God is found in loving our neighbor in such a way that doesn’t count the cost! This kind of love doesn’t just happen; it manifests itself from knowing God, for to know Him is to love Him. Love of God speaks of service. How do we serve the God we come to know and love?
How can I serve God? Hopefully, it would be obvious: by serving others. Let us recall that Jesus said He came to serve and not to be served.
When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He instructed them to follow his example. Our service toward others will take different forms, depending on our gifts. Our gifts are at the service of those in need. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a pleasant smile or positive comment – or it could mean giving of ourselves when it is least convenient. But serve we must. We need to recall that Jesus’ service lead Him to the Cross – can our path be any different?
Remember, there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another.
The martyrs have paid the ultimate price of service in that regard.
Knowing Him, loving Him, and serving Him leads to eternal happiness.
Remember how the 72 disciples returned to Jesus, all excited about what they had encountered? As excited as they were, Jesus told them they should be rejoicing that their reward was great in heaven. I am sure it would be truly exciting to be the instrument that God used to bring about miraculous healing, dramatic conversions or perhaps driving Satan from those possessed; but Jesus says that’s nothing, heaven is far better! I remember once being asked to recall my most fantastic experience – and then told that heaven is trillions and trillions far better!
Let us always remember that our God is a loving God wanting what’s best for us. Therefore, let us seek to know Him, love Him and serve Him as he seeks to bless us with eternal happiness.
Deacon James H. Rocks of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood, is a retired deacon of the Diocese of Camden.
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