Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
As Christians, there is a hope that belongs to our call. That hope is life, life to the fullest as Jesus himself promises (John 10:10). Being fully alive . . . we may have a clear idea in our hearts about what that might look for us. We may be able to quickly lay out the circumstances, the things, the people that will help us reach this longed-for fulfillment.
Yet Jesus today speaks of self-denial, of a cross, and of a following him. Where to? Calvary is not an appealing destination with the pain, suffering and death it promises. But if we take a deeper look, we realize that the path to it and through it is one of self-gift that ultimately leads us, collectively, to a fullness of life.
Two things to remember: at the end, all that isn’t given is lost. And if we decide to give our life then no one can take it from us.
Christ shows us how and to whom to give ourselves. May we follow him towards life.