Jesus, Who gave everything for us by dying on the cross, calls us to respond by giving everything for Him (see Mt 13:44ff). We give what we truly need and therefore go without necessities. Have you ever given to the Lord to the point that you couldn't buy enough food to get the calories necessary to function normally? How many parents have given up such a basic necessity as sleep as they pour out their lives for their children? How many people in difficult marriages continue to love their spouses unconditionally although their needs for being respected, affirmed, and loved are not being met?
Life in Christ is a life of sacrificial, crucified giving. Mother Mary, Immaculate Virgin, gave all that she had for Jesus her Son. As St. Teresa of Calcutta has said, we as followers of Christ must give till it hurts. In a self-centered society, this does not sound like good news. But, paradoxically, only by giving all do we have a life worth living. Jesus warns and promises us: "Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Lk 9:24).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I understand and live Your teaching that "there is more happiness in giving than receiving" (Acts 20:35). |
| PROMISE: | "I for my part am already being poured out like a libation. The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." –2 Tm 4:6-7 |
| PRAISE: | "Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart" (Lk 2:19). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College