Do you forfeit yourself to God's will? What do you do when you feel in that place of panic, where you are so firm in your belief, and yet it doesn't feel like anyone else understands your passion for your faith? Sometimes, especially in our modern world, it's difficult to believe what you do. I know for myself, sitting in a history course where the main topic of the day is 'anti-Catholicism' in the 1600's, can be difficult to not want to leave. However, hearing the histories of what makes a religion makes it clear that, even though we feel we know best, we're human, no one is perfect, and there are always adjustments we can make in our Faith lives. We see through history areas the Church has supported the wrong side, places that society has been led astray. Jesus tells us himself that we just don't understand, as much as we try. This doesn't mean give up, but reminds us we need to constantly make changes, as a whole Church, and as individuals.
Today's Gospel states:"saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"(Luke 9:22-25).
In today's Gospel, we hear how we must lose our lives for Jesus' sake, give ourselves for others. Maybe this means taking a stand and telling a friend more about your faith, someone who doesn't understand. It could mean attending mass instead of working weekends. There are many things that could pull us away from the purpose of having faith, but there are so many more things we could do to help show the world the Love God has for us. Take some time to reflect on something you can do this Lent that will show others the love God has given to you.
Today's prayer comes from 'allume' a prayer to bring God's people together:
Jesus, You did not come to just save one of us; you came to save a people to yourself. We are a people, a race, a priesthood, a nation. No nation consists of one person– we are a people. Help us to act as the nation you have called us into. We are a special people who have received the mercy of God. May we give mercy to one another as a response. Amen.
