Jesus had the gift of saying things directly and plainly, with a power to penetrate all our defences and lead us to a new awareness. Today’s message puts before us the paradox of the Gospel: we gain life by letting go of it. If I put my happiness, my being loved, at the centre of my life, then I will surely fail, even though to be loved and to be happy are really important. If on the other hand I put the happiness of others first and love them unconditionally, then I too will know unselfish love and deep happiness. This is the very insight and wisdom that Jesus puts before us as the key not just to love but to life and within that, the key to authentic discipleship precisely as a way of life.

Prayer

Teach us, Lord, that nothing is more life-giving than to love and be loved in return.

K O’Mahony OSA