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In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus speaking about his purpose in life. He says to the crowds, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Commentators tell us that up to this time Luke has spoken of Jesus’ ministry only in Galilee. But here Jesus is telling his disciples and the crowds that what he has just done (shown a sign of His power in curing Simon’s mother-in-law from a severe fever) He must do elsewhere. From my reading, I have come to understand that part of the mystery of Jesus’ growth and development was that Jesus came to know who He was as he grew and developed throughout his teens, twenties, and thirties. Jesus gradually came to know He was the God-Man, the Son of God, the Redeemer. He expresses in today’s Gospel that He knows His purpose in life. Creighton has just begun a new academic year. Last week we welcomed nearly 1000 first time freshmen and re-welcomed about 5,800 other undergraduate, professional, and graduate students. Creighton’s mission – its purpose – is to provide an excellent education and a welcoming and trusting community wherein all students can come to know who they are – with all their strengths and weaknesses – and who they can become as adult, responsible men and women. The whole Creighton community is in the process of helping students
come to know how they are each personally gifted. Through their
studies, social activities, prayer and reflection, these students
are going to be identifying their own personal skills and talents.
They are finding out who they can become as “men and women
for others.” Good and gracious God, help all of us in the Creighton community provide the education, supportive environment, and opportunities for each student to be touched by Your wisdom. Help them come to know better who they are so they can develop their gifts and talents to their fullest potential. Amen. |