Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. — Psalm 40:5

Mass Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25

Losing Oneself for Christ

We prefer to avoid personal sacrifice, but examples abound of people who are willing to give of themselves for others. Parents are constantly sacrificing for the betterment of their children. Health providers gratefully give of themselves in order to alleviate the suffering and pain of others. Then, too, there’s the child who shares his or her school lunch with a classmate who doesn’t have one.

Jesus clearly says that the spirit of sacrifice is the way we save our life. We’ve been given so much by God; it is our responsibility to give back some of our time, talent, and treasure to those who walk the road of life with us. To hoard what we have leads to death; to give freely gives life. The proper road to salvation is clear; let’s follow it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to sacrifice more for others.