You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:13-14, 16)
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. (John 15:16)
As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth. (John 17:18-19)
Have you ever thought about what kind of legacy you would like to leave? Have you ever thought about the impact your life has had or will have on others? For which accomplishments in your life, or for which character traits, would you like to be remembered? You might be tempted to think that in God's eyes your legacy doesn't amount to much, nor could it be so noble or set so high as someone like John Paul II or Mother Teresa. But if you think that way, you're most likely limiting the important work that God wants to accomplish through you!
Our dreams of who we are or might become or what we might accomplish in life, can be quite limited, especially as we get older. World-wearied, discouraged by past failures, fearful of taking undue risks, or held back by conventional ways of thinking and acting, we might accept far less than God actually wants to do in us and through us. It is quite possible that God may want to use you even more in your later years than in your younger years.
We may be tempted to think that only canonized saints can accomplish anything significant for the Lord. Lay people may believe that only clergy or religious can make any lasting mark in the church. And religious or clergy may see their own challenges or difficulties as limiting anything truly worthy of greatness in God's kingdom. But none of these thoughts really reflects God's view of any of us. It's not just about how talented and gifted you are, but about relying on the power of the Cross and the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you.
As Jesus' disciples, we are called to be his witnesses in the world today. We are to be like salt that savors (Matthew 5:13) or like a city on a hilltop, visible to all (5:14) or a light that shines for others (5:16). In other words, we are to bring the presence of Christ — indeed, even be his presence — to those around us. As Jesus disciples, we have been sent and consecrated to bear much fruit for him (John 15:16-19).
Whenever we think about our legacy, it is vital to remember that "nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). There is so much work to be done, and God needs willing vessels, young and old, to help spread his kingdom. Jesus wants you to believe that he can do mighty things through you. Why not give him a chance? Let him know your thoughts, dreams, and desires for your life. Tell him with humility but with boldness, "Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will." Then go for it with all the determination you can muster, and watch what God can do through you! You will see new doors opening and many opportunities to serve the Lord and others.
"Lord, I want to leave a legacy behind that brings glory to you. I want to finish well the race set before me. But I know that I need your Holy Spirit. Pour out your power and strength, that I may accomplish more than I can ask or imagine!"
Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing me to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. What is your reaction to the Scripture passages at the beginning of this article? What relationship do they have to leaving a legacy?
2. The article starts off with these words, "Have you ever thought about what kind of legacy you would like to leave?" How would you answer this question?
3. What would you consider to be the characteristics of a Godly legacy? How would you define your own legacy at this point in your life?
4. Do you agree with these words from the article? "It is quite possible that God may want to use you even more in your later years than in your younger years." Why or why not?
5. One of the prerequisites for being used by God is to be "willing vessels." What are the obstacles in your life that keep you from being a willing vessel?
6. If you are in a men's group, pray for one another at the end of your meeting that you would all leave behind a legacy that is pleasing to God. Use the prayer at the end of the article as a starting point.
