"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." - Jn 15:13
SITUATION EXPLAINED
What's important to you? If, God forbid, there was a fire at your house today (and let's hope not caused by fireworks) and you were running out, what would you grab to take with you? Who are the most important people in your life? How many people, outside of your family, would you truly give your life for, would you "take a bullet for?" Would you give your life for someone you didn't know? Would you give your life for an enemy, or someone that doesn't like you? Like so many things in faith, it's easy to say, but difficult to do.
SOLUTION OFFERED
Today in the United States, we celebrate freedom. While we have separate days (i.e. Veteran's Day, Memorial Day) where we celebrate those who've given their lives to defend our freedom as Americans.....we also stop today to reflect on how fortunate we are to be free.
We have an independence day as Christians, too, it's called Easter. On Easter we celebrate the fact that God became man, conquered death, and, in the process, saved all who believe....providing us with a "way out", a chance at eternal life in Heaven.
Notice that on Easter, too, a life HAD to be lost to ensure our independence. Jesus' death upon the cross gave us the ULTIMATE FREEDOM. With the passion, death AND resurrection, we receive freedom from original sin.
Just as so many thousands of people have given their lives over the years to defend their families, homes, possessions, independence and way of life, Jesus went even further. One of the many things so cool about Jesus is that He gave His life for everyone....even those who don't initially believe, even those who hate Him.......so that EVERYBODY has a chance, should they come to believe. St. John reminds us today that the sacrifice of your life is the GREATEST sign of your love for someone. Jesus didn't just die for His followers, He died for those who ridiculed Him, who beat Him, who crucified Him. What an example!
It makes me wonder who I would die for. It reminds me that no matter how many times I screw up, God is still there loving me and waiting to forgive me, and I have that chance, that chance for forgiveness, that chance at Heaven, because Jesus was so loving that He was willing to pay the ultimate price.
As an American, today reminds us to be thankful for the freedom that we possess and earned. As Catholics, EVERYDAY should remind us to be THANKFUL for the freedom that we've been offered, the freedom we've been GIVEN.
SALVATION GIVEN
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." - Jn 15:13
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