What Shall I Do?

By Rita Murdock

        I make my schedule according to my desires, needs, and pleasures. Shopping, cleaning, work, reading, television. Yet desire, need and pleasure come from God. We are created by God for His purpose.

        Our human condition begins with original sin and dictates “I” instead of “You”. “Me” and maybe “God”. I need, I want, I don't like… Stop and ask “Dear God, what needs to be done by me?” All we have, our senses, abilities, our material treasures and even our crosses, come from God. He knows all and can make all things just right. It makes sense to ask Him “What is your will for me today” How do I conform my will to yours for me today, at this moment in Your time?”

    Only when we do what He wants of us, do we receive grace. We need grace to be holy. We must be holy to attain eternal life with Him. And… we’ll find peace and joy, acceptance and strength in living our vocation as spouse, parent, student, religious, single. Our works will be made holy.

    Why did God make us? God made us to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him on this earth so we can be happy with Him in heaven in eternity. In this month of November let us remember our purpose and that of all the deceased. They can no longer merit graces for holiness. The departed souls in purgatory are entrusted to our prayers. (Few souls go directly to heaven). Pray to teach family members the need to pray and offer sacrifices for the dead. We will soon be departed as well. God wills us to be with Him in heaven and He is merciful but also fair in judgment. We must amend or be prayed for-for all the times our will led us away from His will.

      What shall I do? I shall honor the Lord my God with my whole heart, my whole soul, all my strength. I shall honor my neighbor as myself and I shall keep the laws of God and of His Church.

      His will be done by me - then I merit eternal life in heaven. The important things that need to be done, will be accomplished each day without anxiety, stress, or procrastination. He wants joy for us and wills all good for our salvation. Ask “Lord, what needs to be done?”