Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. — Psalm 40:8 and 9 

Mass Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20 / Mark 1:29-39 

Purpose-Driven Life 

In his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren claims “everyone’s life is driven by something” and goes on to describes some of the things that drive us: guilt, fears, materialism, need for approval, and so on. Warren contrasts this with a life driven by God’s purposes. 

Today’s Gospel shows Jesus engaged in an extended time of prayer — probably a time during which He sought God’s direction for His ministry. Despite His inevitable weariness (following the long day described in verses 29-34) and the flattering news that “Everyone is looking for you” (verse 37), Jesus stands firm in the purpose for which He has been sent (verse 38). Jesus was driven by God’s purposes, not personal needs, nor pressure from friends, nor the allure of fame and popularity. What is my life driven by? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to make decisions and choices that are driven by Your purposes.