Before each Lenten season, most of us spend some time deciding what to “give up,” or in recent years, the trend has been more to “add” to our forty days of seasonal prayers and practices. We hope to renounce our worldly comforts and conveniences to better identify with the suffering of Jesus.

Luke’s Gospel reading for today starkly admonishes us that our daily habits, personal decisions, and life choices have concrete consequences. If we want to follow Jesus, we are to deny ourselves – to the degree of possibly losing our lives. If most of us will never have the occasion of being a martyr, then what does it mean to lose one’s life? Is it allowing God’s presence to dominate our lives instead of acting as if we are in charge? Is it putting others’ needs and well-being before our own? Is it acknowledging that Jesus is our Savior and that we trust in him – and then acting as if we do?

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said “yes” to the mission God had given to him. He fulfilled his purpose. He was rejected and killed, and on the third day, he rose and was resurrected into heaven. In taking up our crosses and following Jesus, we have the promise of resurrection and the assurance of eternal life with him in heaven. We are invited to lose our lives to gain eternal life. May we respond with a grateful heart.

Prayer:

Good and loving God – May we learn to imitate Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who said “yes” to your invitation. He indeed denied himself, took up his cross, and followed Jesus. He was often rejected, suffered physical illness, had financial troubles, and struggled throughout his life, yet he always trusted in you. He did not reject his suffering or even try to explain his unfortunate situation. He said, “Yes”. May we, too, say “yes” to your invitation as we journey through this Lenten season.