Most of us don’t know who we are or what is our purpose in life. We simply make as much money as possible to enjoy life.

But who am I? What is God’s purpose for me? Surely I did not come into being purely by accident, but rather God has a purpose for my life. What is that purpose? I must fulfil that purpose in order to become my true self and thus fulfil God’s purpose for me.

Where am I going with my life? Am I just drifting in my life or is God taking me somewhere? Did Jesus not tell me, “Come and follow me?” Did I not say to Him, “Where are you taking me?” Did He not respond, “Leave all things behind and come follow me.”

Who is this man Jesus Christ I have dedicated myself to? Where will he lead me? Where does He live? Many people or most people go or are driven where jobs are provided for them, or where the most money can be provided, not by what makes them happy or where God calls them. But all of life is a search for happiness, however that cannot be obtained without meaning in life.

For His part, Christ tells us and shows us in His actions that we must bring good news to the poorest and most forgotten while sacrificing all that we have to serve the forgotten ones.

Do we believe in His words and His works? Am I willing to live and die for the forgotten ones? Am I going to do something significant and meaningful in my life? Do I seek to be in service of others? Do I serve out of love of others and do not seek any returns for myself?

This man will die without my help. This woman will suffer if I do not feed her. I will sacrifice my time and talent and my own material wealth. I will go hungry. I will serve. All I care for is that I have pleased the Lord.

How will I live? How will I die? Will I be known as a true Christian who follows Christ on the cross unto death in service of others?

On the other hand, the opposite of that comes from sin and selfishness, whereas joy and happiness come from selfless love. When you die will you surely go to heaven and be known as a good man, faithful and dedicated to others in loving service and endurance to Christ crucified?

If I die today will I be known as a man of God or would I be known as a man who did foolish and superficial things? I ask my friends to avoid foolish and empty things. I ask you to love Christ, to love the word of God, to love the sacraments, to love hard work and simple work, and to seek service of Christ and the poor. Today I ask my brothers: Are you happy to serve the woman who is a cripple, the man who is blind, and the young boy who is mad? I ask them all these questions with love. I know that as Missionaries of the Poor the Beatitudes will bring them happiness.

Is this what you want? Do you know that this is what will bring you happiness?

Come and visit with us and our poor. It is difficult, but it is also the cross. In Matthew 16:24-26 Jesus tells his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”

We need some food, toiletries and diapers in all sizes. Please contact us at 876 550 8987

Father Richard Ho Lung is founder of Missionaries of the Poor.