Session #20 - Made for Mission (Part 1)

I – Made for Mission
* Throughout this year, we have been discussing what it means to be "the best version of ourselves". This always starts with the understanding that "Life is about choices" (see Session #1).
* We were created for a purpose – we were created with a mission. But what does that mean? 

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•      What do you think your mission is? How it is connected to your hopes and dreams? We have all mentioned things we want to be “when we grow up”. Some of the career choices that some of you have mentioned in class are connected to this mission that has created for you. We have learned the word for this before: “vocation”.

• ·    In Session #15, I mentioned the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each of you, as baptized Christians, have these gifts already in you. When you are confirmed, these gifts will come alive and will help you in your mission and in your life. However, there are certain things that can get in the way of this. And this can lead to a messy world.

II – The World is a Mess

• ·        We are living in times where we hear about many sad and even frightening stories. Some of you may have even heard some people say “the world is a mess”. What are some examples of this “mess”? We see it in the world through poverty, illness, hate, greed, discrimination, etc.

• ·        As many examples as we can give of the mess we see in this world. Some of you may even have ideas of how to fix some of these messes. However, you may think “I am too young for this?” or “what can I offer?”

• ·       “Now is the time to start thinking about how you can make a difference. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your mission in life.” (pg. 271). 

III – A World Without Neighbors

• ·      Sometimes we are called to do something that goes against what our “group” tells us. This is the story of the “Good Samaritan”:   
  
  
  

• ·      “Love thy neighbor” is a phrase that many can consider easier said than done. But Jesus reminds us through His teachings and actions, that we are all called to live this commandment.

o   What are some of the issues that can get in the way of treating our neighbor with respect?”

o   Are we called to only love those that we know? Or is Jesus calling us to love all people – even the ones that are very different from us?     

•          The story of the “Good Samaritan” reminds us that we are to consider everyone in the world our neighbor. As such, we must always be mindful that there will be times where we will be the person in need of help, and sometimes we will be the person who can help someone else.

·      Our mission is to be part of the change and not the problem. We start this change by simply loving our neighbor (whether we know them or not).

HOMEWORK (due 4/3/22)

* Answer questions in page 278 of your Decision Point textbook.

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