life-losers
"Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?" —Matthew 16:25-26
Jesus has made it emphatically clear that His plan is to send us to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). This means that we must do more than pray, go to church, be good, help people, and obey some commandments. Jesus wants disciples — people who deny themselves repeatedly to the point that they even die to themselves (Mt 16:24). Jesus died and rose so that we will decide to be crucified with Him (Gal 2:19). It is then no longer we who live, but Christ Who lives within us (Gal 2:20). As disciples of Christ, we have lost our lives for Him (Mt 16:25) and passionately encourage others to do the same.
Naturally, we refuse to give up our lives for anyone. We like to think that we're "doing our own thing." However, we should make an exception for Jesus. He died on the cross for each one of us. Jesus lost His life for love of us. By His grace, let us respond to His crucified love by losing our lives. Let us decide to be His disciples and to live to make disciples of all nations.
Prayer: Father, may I be Jesus' disciple and make disciples who make disciples for Jesus.
Promise: "See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!" —Na 2:1
Praise: At age eighteen, St. Clare renounced all her possessions and took the habit of a nun after having been inspired by the preaching of St. Francis of Assisi.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000