it's a must
"Must I give up my...?" —Judges 9:9, 11, 13
I read today's Scripture readings during Mass. Then I reflected on them throughout the workday, hoping to hear what words the Lord would want me to write in this teaching. After I "worked a full day" (Mt 20:12) and cooked supper for my family, I was tired and lay down to rest. My body was weary, but the Scriptures reverberated in my mind. I asked the Lord, "Must I give up my rest to teach Your people?" (cf Jgs 9:9) "Yes," He replied.
Not wanting to get up, my body lay still, but the image of Jesus and the Father came to mind. I pictured the Father and Jesus looking down on the people of the earth and observing our wretchedness. What if the Father said: "Must I give up My only Son to save people who will reject Him, mock Him, and crucify Him?" What if Jesus said to the Father, "Must I give up this bliss with You here in heaven to go to earth and suffer in agony for those who would kill Me?" Then the Father and the Son looked at each other. Filled to overflowing with love for us, they said: "Yes."
What questions do you find yourself asking the Lord? Must I give up food at times to defeat Satan? (Mt 17:21, NAB) Must I give up sex and money to be a priest? Must I give up my career to stay at home with the kids? Must I give up my weekend to visit the sick and imprisoned? (Mt 25:36) Must I give up all to serve You? (Lk 9:23) And the Lord replies: "Yes" (see 2 Cor 1:19).
Prayer: Father, I beg You to send out willing leaders and laborers to gather Your harvest. "Here I am...send me!" (Is 6:8)
Promise: "You have granted him his heart's desire; you refused not the wish of his lips." —Ps 21:3
Praise: Blessed be Mary who gave up everything, including her Beloved only Son, and said "yes" to her God (Lk 1:38).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007
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