Lesson from Fr. Paulus | To Serve and To Shine

​Today's readings teach us not only that we were born to serve and to shine, but that we were created for that purpose.

Isaiah in today's First Reading speaks of Israel's calling: to serve God for his glory as well as for their own. Israel is called to be the Lord's servant and to show God's glory. We were created to serve the Lord and he promises we'll be glorious in his sight and strengthened by him.

Paul in today's Second Reading underlines this lofty calling to serve and to shine. We serve and shine by seeking to do what the Lord asks of us and through striving to live a holy life. He reminds us as he reminds the Corinthians that they are "called to be holy."

John the Baptist in today's Gospel served the Lord as his prophet. He knew that part of his calling was to put the spotlight on Our Lord and his mission, not on himself: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".

If John the Baptist shines in the fulfillment of his mission, he shines in order to light the way to Christ, the reason for his mission. John is not just called to serve, but to shine. He does not just recognize in Our Lord the signs that the Spirit had promised him; he testifies to them so that others would also get the message.

We may not become a captain of industry or achieve the highest echelons of power in business or politics, but by living our calling, we give glory to God and ourselves. If something is missing and we feel we are caught up in the rat race, it's time in prayer to consider our calling: what does the Lord want we to do with our life?