The Church proclaims "the supremacy of the bond with Christ" (Catechism, 1619). Our relationship with Jesus is in a class by itself. We are called to love Jesus much more than we love anyone else (see Mt 10:37). We must love Jesus so much that we lose our worldly lives, give our lives to Him, suffer in love for Him, take up our crosses daily in imitation of Him, and even die for Him (see Mt 10:37-38).

Because of "the supremacy" of our relationship with Jesus, those things we "used to consider gain" we "have now reappraised as loss" (Phil 3:7). We "have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of (our) Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:8). For love of Jesus, we have "forfeited everything" and "have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be" our Wealth (Phil 3:8).

Because of "the supremacy" of the relationship with the Lord, each Christian is privileged to say: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:19-20). We are supremely honored and loved in having the opportunity to "live no longer" for ourselves but for Him Who for our sakes "died and was raised up" (2 Cor 5:15).

Accept the invitation of the crucified and glorified Christ. Give your life totally to Him. Love Jesus supremely.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001