Saint Benedicta of the Cross
What Profit Would There Be?
In today's Gospel Jesus tells us that whoever wants to follow Him should renounce him or herself and take up his or her cross and follow Him. He again tells us that whoever wants to save his or her life at the expense of Jesus will lose it and whoever loses his or her life for the sake of Jesus will gain it, for what profit is it for one to gain the whole world and lose his or her life? This encourages us to put our investment in Jesus by picking up our crosses and following him daily.
Most times we think if we have money then we have everything and we can do anything we want but unfortunately, this is only human thinking. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. Of what value are material things if they don't help you gain what truly lasts in eternity. Neither money nor possessions can buy heaven, mend a broken heart, or cheer a lonely person.
When Jesus asks us this question: What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?" He is saying that it doesn’t matter how much money you make, or what kind of car you drive, or what kind of clothes you wear, or what type of degree you have. You might spend your whole life trying to earn millions of dollars and amass all sorts of luxuries and securities, but you will have done all this in vain without God. You will have missed out on the true meaning of life and the real treasure of love. Don’t make the mistake of continually trying to make life easier and more comfortable for yourself. You will only end up being hopelessly miserable and incredibly lonely. The greatest happiness is in carrying our crosses and following Christ always.
His cross is an easy one, that is, in this contemporary time, it is to follow His commandments and live all the Christian values. These commandments are summarised in one commandment which is love. And so, what Jesus implies is that in order to save our lives, we should give up our lives to love Him and our neighbours. If you have plenty to share with the other as a sign of love, give back to God also, though nothing can pay for the life you have. Remember, Faith alone is not sufficient to be saved. Even Satan and his devils believe — and shudder (cf. James 2:19), charity is an important part of faith, without it, faith is dead. With this, our greatest investment then becomes to give up our lives to love God and serve His people. It's not by gathering the whole world for ourselves, or making a lot of money or hating our fellows but just in a simple way, to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus and surrender everything to Him.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, make me every day to understand what it takes to save my life both now and for eternity, that is, taking up my crosses and following you. May the easy way which the world presents to me always never convince me to fall for it and lose eternal life. Amen
Be blessed.
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