“…for this purpose I have been sent.”
Jesus’ words after a gospel of healings and preaching to those ‘outside’ turned my thoughts to the question - for what purpose have I been sent? The swarms of new Creighton students on campus sporting their new blue Creighton T shirts surely will consider their future in the coming days and weeks. But what is their purpose? More than a profession, packed with meaning, a purpose, in my view, comes from God and blesses the world.
Now that I am retired, at the other end of the spectrum of work, I struggle to find my purpose. It was easier when I practiced medicine and could extend care and healing to people one-on-one all day.
Now, age and an accumulation of health issues provide a steady hum of distractions which can leap into a crescendo of surprising interruption in my planned days.
Now I try to find purpose in these “holy interruptions”, turning to find God’s design for me in the ever-surprising challenges of every day. In being present to the people and every day circumstances that are my gift from God lies my purpose.
A cartoon popular in the 50’s depicts a comedian or dancer on a stage frantically exercising what they thought was their talent, only to be yanked off the stage by an unseen individual wielding a long pole with a hook at the end. Life can be like this. When I review my 83 years I can find the hand of God disguised as that holy interruption, that yanking off the stage of my plans, only to find a better, more purposeful way. Hopefully for my good and the good of others.
Like Peter’s mother, who was healed of her sickness and immediately rose and waited on those around her, may we respond to Christ’s healing presence in our lives by turning to serve.
Suzanne Braddock
Creighton University and I are old friends, first as a medical resident in a program shared with The University of Nebraska then forty plus years as a parishioner at St John’s, the campus church. Now retired from a gratifying but busy medical practice I enjoy the quiet hours and nature.
Writing these reflections is a challenge and a grace, bringing me closer to the meaning of the Scriptures and the love God wants us to understand.
