In 2002 a book entitled The Purpose Driven Life became a bestseller. Authored by Pastor Rick Warren, the message is simple but very profound and important. First, each life is important. Second, the time, talent, and treasure that we have is not an accident. There is a reason behind it. Third, each life has a purpose and mission. To whom does this mission come from?

This past Monday, we celebrated the Baptism of Christ. If you think about it, he did not actually need to be baptized for two reasons: First, baptism is about forgiveness of sin, including original sin, but Jesus had no sins to be forgiven. Second, baptism is about becoming sons and daughters of God, yet Jesus is the only Son of God.  The reason that Jesus had himself baptized though, was the third element of baptism: Jesus wanted to show each and every one of us to follow the will of the Lord. Even if it would lead to the passion and death.  That is why there was a voice from God, “This is my son with whom I am well pleased.”

As we end the Christmas season and start the year 2024, three things about the will of God. 

1. The Will of the Lord is about Service. Jesus said that I came to serve and not to be served. Whatever Mission that God has given us, it entails service. No matter how hard the service, may we always serve with joy.
    
2. The Will of the Lord is about Trusting His Mysterious Ways. How we wished we knew God’s will. But that is not the case. Going to fortune tellers is not an option because that is against commandment no. 1. Hence continue to pray and discern because everything happens for a reason and purpose.
   
3. The Will of the Lord is about making us Saints. There is a saying, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” Jesus said that the sheep would be separated from the goat at the end. The sheep are the blessed, the saints. The goats are the accursed.  They are the damned. 

In today’s Mass, we remember that 2024 will not be easy. Further, the will of God is not easy…. Yet, it is the key to happiness in this life.