Sacrifice
In the regular readings for today, the 8th Monday in Ordinary Time, Year 2 (5/27/24), the gospel reading points us to sacrifice.
Now, you won’t find the word sacrifice in this gospel. It begins with Jesus being asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus points him to the commandments. The man responded that he had kept all the commandments.
Jesus then says, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
Commentaries on this passage often say that the man went away sad because he was not willing to give up his possessions. I don’t see that in this gospel. Perhaps he went away sad because he was willing to make the sacrifice of giving up his possessions. He was sad to give them up but he was willing to make the sacrifice.
Jesus then speaks of how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. He says, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
If we carry too much with us, we cannot pass the entry gates to Heaven. What are you carrying that you need to sacrifice as a disciple?
Sacrifice is not popular today. Instead, people ask what’s in it for me. Society says make a name for yourself. God says give it all to me.
I said “sacrifice is not popular today.” I didn’t say no one is willing to sacrifice.
Today is Memorial Day. Today is much more than a weekend marking the unofficial start of summer. To think that is to completely miss the point of Memorial Day.
On November 11th, we honor all veterans who have served.
Earlier this month we celebrated Armed Forces Day as a day to pray for those currently in the military. This day often goes unnoticed. I know I often forget.
Today is Memorial Day. It is a day to honor those who died while serving in the military.
War is not good. Actually, war is awful. (Click here to watch a recording of the National Memorial Day Concert from Sunday, May 26, 2024 – be prepared to cry)
We must pray for the end to all wars. Wars often begin with someone’s quest for power and wealth for themselves (sometimes in the name of their country or beliefs). We have a right to defend ourselves but only in portion to the evil we are responding to and that there is likely a successful end to the conflict (see my webpage Just War Theory).
The price of war is high. How many innocent people die? How much property of the innocent is destroyed? How many soldiers come home with life-changing injuries that will affect the rest of their lives? How many soldiers come home with PTSD, their lives forever changed by the trauma of war? They have sacrificed much.
Today is Memorial Day. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in service to their country.
We pray for an end to all wars. We pray for peace. We pray in thanksgiving to those who have given their lives. We pray for their families.
Peace,
Fr. Jeff
I, too, continue to pray for peace in our world. Peace must begin with us; finding peaceful resolutions in our homes, communities. I pray that The Holy Spirit will enkindle in all of us a fire of His love so we may pass that on.
I pray that world leaders will come to that decision of spreading love and hope for their people; it’s the innocent who continue to suffer under the rulers who only want more; they’re selfish and greedy. They aren’t interested in compassion or empathy.
I pray for all military personnel- they have made the choice, in most cases, to serve their countries with honor and justice.
From this Carol to Ms. Carol Archunde, I greatly appreciate your above comment whole-heartedly. The need for peace, love, hope and the Holy Spirit is greatly needed in all aspects of our lives. This includes in our family lives, in our military engagements and in our political, social and church communities and within ourselves. Thanks for reminding me Carol and I will continue to pray also.