From Pastor's Desk
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From Pastor's Desk
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To Serve & Give One's Life
Humanity suffers through the lives of hundreds of millions of children, yet not always in terms of redemption suffering. Christ wants his followers to assume the responsibilities that correspond to each one of us, to improve the conditions of life for our suffering brothers. He goes before us, "not that we may serve Him, but that He may serve and give His life to save all of us ". Sisters and brothers: 1. The longing to be powerful is as ancient as the world. We experience it every day in the most commonplace situations, as in wanting to occupy the best or first place, in choosing the best of partners, in climbing up the ladder to a higher position at work - till we go so far as to fight for political power without a conscience, even destroying the adversary. At the root of the problem, there is always the terrible duality: an instinct for dominance and one's ridiculous vanity. Our own self-centeredness can infiltrate to such a point that we think we are someone special, and that we are of even more worth if we dominate other people; and if only the other person could be more brotherly! Isn't this the question that is planted in one's mind? If the other person would really change into being my brother: then I could overwhelm him with my dominance, even against his own person or his own goods? Couldn't I also then speak poorly about him behind his back? Would he allow me to destroy his privacy? 2. For Christ, on the other hand, one is greater when he/she resigns their will to dominate others and learns to serve with a fraternal love. There are so many people around us that attract us, due to their generosity and their noble lives! One's moral authority is born from within a heart that is in solidarity, is generous, and serves. They radiate a special authority; they need neither to threaten, bribe, or flatter. Perhaps this is the most important secret of life and yet the most ignored. We live life more intensely, only when we give it away. One can only live when that person helps others to live. 3. What is He asking of us? The service that Christ asks of us is demanding, however it is immensely fruitful. This service implies a struggle to the death against one's egoism and it is an exercise in humility; this is the hard part. Yet, it is also a productive service because it is our source of salvation. It is easy to give something; this also happens when it does not cost us anything, especially when we have an abundance. But honestly: who dares to give everything, and then to give one's all to the others until it hurts? Brothers: The idea alone of serving others, may scare many away. For others, it may attract them only to place themselves at the center of attention. One's conscience must assume a commitment to service. We have to give what is alive in us: our happiness, our faith, our tenderness, our confidence, and the hope that sustains us and animates us from within. To give one's life in this way - is always a gesture that enriches, helps us to live, gives life to others, redeems souls, and liberates and saves people. May it be - Amen. Source: ePriest.com / Best Practices and Homily Resources for Catholic Priests
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