From the Pastor's Desk: A New Commandment

Jesus shows us that he sacrifices himself for the ones he loves: us, human beings.  For sacrifice literally means "to make holy."  By Jesus' action on the cross, we are restored as children of God.  Our sacrifices are there to make others holy just as Jesus makes us holy by his sacrifice.  

He shows us that our actions of sacrifice are for who we love, and the fruit of these actions are the flourishing of others. 

When we see those we love being successful, healthy, growing in confidence, strengthening their faith and trust in God, growing in prayer, the love of the Eucharist, falling in love with someone else.  These are the fruits of our sacrifices, so others may flourish.  

When we sacrifice, it is so that the ones we love can flourish and be given greater opportunities to sacrifice for the ones they love. 

Think about what sacrifices you would make for your spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, friends, people you don't even know.   All of this begins because God sent his Son to love us, and tho show how to love as he loves.   Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you should love one another.  

What is one sacrifice you can make this week for someone that you love?

I have to ask myself, have I truly sacrificed for God and for those I love?  Am I willing to sacrifice my life for the people that God has given me to serve like St. John Neumann, or St. John Vianney?  That is a very humbling question.  On my own I cannot do it.  I fail, and do so very often.

Only with Jesus will I be able to do this because it begins with love, His love.

But that is why Jesus says "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another"  Love is the very center of it all.  Love impels us to love another as Jesus did.  Disciples sacrifice because they love.