“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.”
Luke 17:33
There’s a saying that, “The Gospel is meant to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” The good news to the afflicted is that Jesus has come to save us by his cross and is with us in our suffering. The bad news for the comfortable is that the way to salvation is via the cross – not exactly comfortable! Yet somehow it is still very good news to hear that I am not made for myself but can find fulfillment only in living my life for God in service of my neighbor.
Are all comforts bad? Of course not! But the moment my comfort becomes more important to me than service of God and neighbor is the moment I need conversion, to turn back to Christ and the cross. We were not made for food, drink, and pleasure, but for heaven. Food and drink and comfort are good things because they are foretastes of heaven – but we are not yet in heaven! Until then, self-sacrifice, the gift of my whole self, offered freely in love of God and to those around me, is the only path to true happiness. That might not be comforting, but it IS Good News!
In what ways have I grown a little too comfortable in my life or my faith, and how might God be calling me to transform comfort into service and sainthood?
Jesus, give me the courage to pursue holiness and give comfort to Your people.
Today's Reflection is by:
Mike Buckler
Did you know…
A youth minister for 15 years, Mike enjoys a good cup of coffee, playing soccer with his kids, and always has three of four books “in progress.” He serves in the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and loves seeing God transform the lives of young people.
