Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. — Psalm 110:22

Mass Readings: 1 John 3:11-21/John 1:43-51 

Live with Purpose 

From its earliest days, ours has been a faith grounded not only in the Word but in action. “Love one another,” we hear in today’s reading from the First Letter of John. “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” Powerful words, but hard to live by. 

We can look to St. John Neumann, whose feast we celebrate today, for inspiration. Leaving behind his native Bohemia, he served poor immigrants first as a missionary in upstate New York and later as Bishop of Philadelphia. Compassion with a higher purpose was the hallmark of his life. “God sees every one of us; He creates every soul . . . for a purpose,” he said. Find — and embrace — your purpose today. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live the purposeful life You have created for me.