+ The readings for today are a dramatic and compelling launch
into the Holy Season of Lent. Jesus declares, “Whoever loses
his life for my sake will save it.” This sacrifice: handing our imperfect self over to the One who
responds by handing us back our true self
through his gift of his own self on
the cross. Astounding!
The Lord, in the first reading
today, sets before us life and death, and asks us to “choose life!” – choose
life, with all its nuances and ramifications – choose life in every single
instance, every single circumstance, every single situation.
And yet, we are called upon to
do this by obediently taking up Christ’s cross of death – taking up our own
cross in imitation of him and his cross.
Why is this not an impossible
contradiction?
Because it applies a universal
spiritual principle that comes from the very creation and foundation of the
world – a living, growing world, that finds itself growing and developing to
its full potential by a series of apparent deaths and risings, occurrences of
decay and bloom, destruction and construction.
And so, like Jesus we must
reach out and grasp what appears negative, to gain what truly is positive,
optimistic, hopeful and salvific.
Without a “dying,” therefore,
without the demise of what is simply our own, there is no communion with God,
no real community of fellows, brothers and sisters, and no redemption – and
life everlasting in a family of saints.
This then is the spiritual
principle of “death & resurrection” that is at the core of everything and
everyone – whether it is
acknowledged, celebrated or employed at all.
This Lent, let us delve more
deeply into this mystery of life and choose to participate in this great
dynamic that was set in place for our welfare, our happiness and our salvation.
What
profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself in
the process? – and this includes everyone: including
presidents, kings and potentates, and the least significant of the poor,
destitute and dying!
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