Jesus raised the bar on religious observance and sacrificing a sheep or a goat wasn’t enough anymore. Christ wants us to give of ourselves and this can leave us uneasy. The Old Testament sacrifices were giving way to the New Testament sacrifice―the very sacrifice of self. That’s what Jesus wanted; that’s what Jesus himself gave. He gave himself up to a cross to confound our self-love and tendency to live from our ego.
Does this type of sacrifice scare you? Are you scared of what God demands? Does it scare you to die to yourself, your whims and what you want to do? What is Jesus asking of you that makes you uneasy?
As we celebrate our Father’s today, let’s celebrate the gift of their sacrifice – their sacrifice of self for the love of family, God and the community. And thank you St. Joseph, for your love and sacrifice for our Lord and being his earthly adopted father.
Lord, you know it’s costly for me to let go of my own way of thinking, to give of my time. Help me realize that this may be the more perfect offering that you seek from me.
Smitten With Goodness 