The purpose of life

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Catholics believe that the purpose of life is to have life and have it more abundantly. For this reason we constantly try to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and our neighbour as ourselves.

Why am I here?- is a question asked by humans throughout the ages. Each one of us at some stage in our lives looks for true meaning and purpose in our existence. This particularly occurs when we are faced with life’s joys and its challenges of anxiety, loss and grief. God calls us to seek God, know and love God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, ccc, sec. 1)

It is through understanding that Jesus, the Son of God, who lived on earth as a human, worked with human hands, thought with a human mind, acted by human choice, loved with a human heart and died for the forgiveness of our sins that we can begin to comprehend our reason for being. (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, GS 23, 24)

One reason for being is to learn to love ourselves and others as God loves us – enough to give over His own Son for the love of humankind. In this way we are gradually transformed into persons who can live and love like God does, becoming ready to live and love with God forever, which brings about an internal change and a conscious relationship with God.

How can I explore this relationship with God? This can be done through prayer, reading, engaging in education in faith through specific courses and/or within a faith community. Check out our Faith Formation programs for people of all ages to continue to explore this relationship with God.