Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness. — Sirach 36:1

Mass Readings: Sirach 36:1,4-5,10-17 / Mark 10:32-45 

Journey with Jesus 

In his book, Overcoming Life’s Disappointments, Rabbi Harold Cushman identified a sense of purpose as a major component of a happy life. In his classic, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl testified that people who survived the concentration camps during World War II were those who never lost sight of their purpose for living. The Bible warns that without a vision, people perish. 

When I retired from teaching, I struggled with my sense of purpose, floundering and aimless, until I realized a truth, evident in today’s Gospel, which says of the disciples, “They were on their way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them.” That statement summarizes the essence of the Christian’s life: to follow Jesus Who alone leads us to the heavenly Jerusalem. With that roadmap, I found my way again. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know our shortsightedness. Keep us focused as we follow You to eternity.