October 6, 2019

The most important task of our life is not what we do, but who
we become. Since we are God’s people, created for his plan and
purposes, he knows what we are intended to be. Furthermore, by
being in Christ and growing in him means we are moving
towards God’s best version of us.

Peter’s full name at birth was Simon Bar-Jonah (Matthew 16:17),
meaning “Simon, son of Jonah” (John 21:15-17). But as one of his
disciples, Jesus gives Simon another name, Peter, which means
“rock.” However, before God could do the work he desired
through Peter, he first had to do a work in him. Over time God
would take a fisherman with an ambivalent, vacillating and
impulsive personality and shape him into a rock-like leader. And
in God’s training process, Peter learned that in spite of his weaknesses,
the Lord wanted to use him and had great plans for him.

Similarly, as God grows you, he wants to use the situations of life
to refine and shape you for the mission he has called you to. God
made you to flourish and to produce blessing beyond yourself.
Flourishing is God’s plan and gift, and when you flourish, you are
in harmony with God, other people, creation and yourself. It
means you are becoming the person God had in mind when he
created you. It is moving towards God’s best version of you.

Just like Peter, God has a purpose and plan for you, but he won’t
discard the raw material. He just redirects it.

Here are a few possible suggestions to consider:
 Be a continuous learner. Read, listen, think critically, and
engage in holy conversation.
 Be self-aware. Take time for prayer and self-examination.
 Take regular time away so that you can regain perspective.
 Seek honest feedback from others so that you can grow in
skills, knowledge, and grace.

Swiss theologian and Catholic priest Hans Urs von Balthasar:
“What you are is God’s gift to you. What you are becoming is your
gift to God.”

God Bless, Fr. Dan