2 Corinthians 9:6b-10,
Psalm 112:1b-2.5-6.7-8.9,
John 12:24-26 Full Readings
Dying to Oneself For Christ
Today's readings talk about the fruits of dying to oneself, self denial and self giving. In the first Reading Paul tells us that thin sowing means thin reaping, the one who sows more will reap more and the one who sows less will reap less. You reap what you sowed. The central message here is that one who denies and gives up oneself to sow much, he or she will reap much and one who one who does nothing or little will get nothing or the little he did.
The same message is depicted in the gospel as Jesus tells his disciples that if a seed does not fall into the ground and die, it will not produce fruit but will remain a single seed. This image speaks to us as Christians. Unless we deny ourselves of all the world's desires and give up ourselves wholly to be servants of Jesus and be where He is, we will not inherit eternal life.
Jesus Himself tells us that whoever loves his or her life and saves it in this world, he or she will lose it and whoever hates or loses his or her life for the sake of Christ will gain it eternally. Jesus is not saying we invite suffering or we just lose our lives just like that. He means our lives should be wholly surrendered to Him as a sole leader and should be for His service and service of all humanity. We should not use our lives for our self centered desires but our lives should be for the good of ourselves, others and service of the kingdom. This is what Jesus did.
Jesus never taught what he can never do. He is the perfect example of self denial and self sacrificing love. He went down to hell and resurrected in the glory of God. It is from this glory that we see the spread of Christianity through the world. Are we also ready to give up ourselves so that something great will come out of us?
The perfect example and follower of Jesus who gave up his life in an extraordinary way is St Lawrence whose feast we celebrate today. St Lawrence was a deacon of the early Church in the middle of the third century. He died a martyr by being roasted slowly on a grill. When he had been grilled for some time, he asked his murderers to turn him over to “grill the other side”! Lawrence’s faith and courageous love are fruits of Christ’s sacrifice. Although we may not be called to such heroism, Christ won the same grace for us to bear our crosses and live a life of selfless love and generosity. Can we embrace that selfless life?
When we reflect on the lives of the saints, we are inspired by their faithful service to Christ and his Church. Their fidelity is a fruit of Christ’s fidelity. Our acts of fidelity will give life and courage to others to do the same. Constant fidelity is above all the fruit of the grace of God, and our cooperation with it. Constant fidelity until death is the fruit of the fruits of this grace combined with our response. God is the one who creates in a soul the indispensable greatness needed for fidelity. Above all, he grants us the daily gift of his fortitude to persevere in it.
Reflect today on your readiness to give up yourself for the sake of Jesus and service of humanity. What are the things attached to you that are stopping you from dying to yourself for the sake of the kingdom? Pray for the Spirit of discernment and guidance so that whatever you do may be pleasing to God and neighbor.
Let us Pray
Grant us courage and strength through the intercession of St Lawrence, we may give ourselves daily for the kingdom and that something greater may come out of our sacrifice. Amen.
Be blessed
St Lawrance pray for us
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