My Story

Finding My Purpose: The Love of Christ on Lower Wacker

Before I truly encountered Jesus, I was driven by a deep need for significance, which I mistook for success. My life was defined by the next item on the agenda: career, deadlines, and personal convenience. I had a midday court appearance at the Daley Center and decided to pop over to St. Peter’s for a quick confession, planning to dash right back to the office to continue with my busy day. This frantic, self-managed pace reflected my deeply self-centered mindset. Even my faith was procedural; I viewed the penance to “do something kind” as just another task to complete.

I was looking for love and fulfillment in my achievements and control, but I was left with a constant low-level anxiety and a fundamental lack of genuine peace.

Everything stopped on Lower Wacker Drive. Heading there to bypass Loop congestion, I saw the homeless man in a wheelchair with a sign. My immediate thought was transactional: “Here’s my opportunity to finish my penance.” I pulled out a $20 bill, ready to pay my way out of the requirement.

But as I reached out and our eyes met, the moment became infinite. His gaze was instantly transforming—so piercing, yet overwhelmingly loving. He gave me a smile that held no judgment, only empathy. In that split second, the noise of the city, my rush to the office, my worries—all my worldly agendas—were vanquished.

I was completely overcome by a deep, profound peace. I cannot remember if I gave him the money, but I know I received everything. In that man, through that simple, loving gaze, I encountered the person of Jesus Christ and realized the immeasurable, unconditional love He has for me.That instant of received love shattered my old, transactional ways.

Now, my life is no longer about my agendas; it’s all about the love of Christ for me, and my ability to share that love with all I encounter. The self-centered anxiety I used to carry has been replaced by a deep and abiding joy and genuine peace.

This love gives me a quiet calmness, especially in stressful times, because I know my worth is found in Him, not in my performance. My purpose isn’t found in a checklist or a career path, but in seeing every human being as a person Christ died for. It is my deepest desire that all I encounter will be able to see Jesus’ love shining in me and be moved by that love to seek Him for themselves. My daily reality is rooted in the good news: I am loved unconditionally by Christ, and my sole mission is to share that love.

Sharing

Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples,”Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Post or your own story with your family, your friends and your acquaintences, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age