The
formula that Jesus spells out in the gospel passage today is not just a metaphor or an analogy. It is to
be received as given, to be accepted as the great challenge. To gain all, to
gain the full benefits of Jesus life, death and resurrection, disciples my
empty all, deny their very selves and thus open themselves to be filled
entirely by him. This will involve much joy, but it will also involve much
suffering and pain – as did the Passion of Christ. Jesus’ sufferings give
credence and meaning to each and every one of ours.
As the people of Israel in the
first reading were asked by God to wake up and see the signs and wonders – take
heed of what they were hearing in fire and cloud – and know that they were
indeed encountering the God who created them, and freed them from slavery
because he loved them, so too are we asked to take notice of what the
activities of Jesus on our behalf can actually do for us if we give ourselves
to them.
Let us always remember all
that God has done for his people, all he is doing, and all that he can do – if
we denounce our self-centeredness and selfishness and look to him and see his
face!
Amen.
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