The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Life

Eileen Renders                                        April 2024

   This philosophical question; “What is the meaning of Life”? deserves contemplation, and can be answered in many different ways depending upon who is answering. Realizing that some individuals who favor a scientific view might believe that life is meant to propagate so that life continues.

   Others may feel that life is each individual’s opportunity to achieve, to acquire recognition and success so that they may feel fulfilled and the end of their lives. Many might believe that life is given to each of us and we might seek and find happiness and joy throughout our days.

   We, however, who are Catholic know that the purpose of our lives is to live according to God’s will, and to resist holding on to our will. As we begin to realize at some point in our life that our will is often filled with selfish, or poorly influenced choices. We have learned that our lives will always be a bit restless, or anxious until we open the door of our hearts allowing God to come in and guide us along the way.

   Because God has given us free will is evidence that we can either choose right or wrong. As we have to place Him first in our lives. Yes, God wants to be first in our lives, He created us. Only when we do place Him first in our lives can we fully understand His motivation. It is not that God demands to be first in our life, He has given us free will. It is not that His love is selfish, on the contrary, God cannot give us what He desires to give us until He has our attention, love, and devotion. This may be because he wants to ensure that we will use His gifts in the best manner.

   God’s gifts are given individually according to each of us in a manner that will serve Him through serving others. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25:  Jesus speaks about the importance of compassion and kindness toward others.

In Matthew:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done unto me.”

   Not one of us can give to God without being rewarded tenfold. Keeping in mind, of course, our gifts, sacrifices, prayer, or serving God must be done with pure sincerity, or it is like an empty box wrapped nicely.