"Whoever seeks
to preserve his life
will lose it,
but whoever loses it
will save it."
(Luke 17:33)
Jesus teaches us the importance of self-sacrifice. It reminds us that clinging too tightly to our own lives and desires can lead to spiritual loss, while being willing to give up our lives for the sake of Christ leads to true life. It emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual values over material possessions and earthly concerns. True life is found in following Jesus and living according to His teachings.
Jesus encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives. By surrendering our own plans and desires, we open ourselves to the greater purpose and fulfillment that God has in store for us. He calls us to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that our earthly life is temporary and that our ultimate goal is eternal life with God. This perspective helps us to make choices that align with God's will and purpose.
These lessons inspire us to practice self-sacrifice, prioritize spiritual values, trust in God's plan, and maintain an eternal perspective.
In the quest to hold on tight,
We often lose the guiding light.
For in the grip of selfish gain,
We find ourselves in deeper pain.
But those who dare to let life go,
Discover truths they long to know.
In sacrifice, they find their way,
To brighter dawns and clearer day.
For life preserved is life that's shared,
In love and faith, in hearts that cared.
So lose your life, and you will see,
The path to true eternity.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging the profound truth in Your words: "Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it." Teach us to let go of our earthly attachments and desires, so that we may fully embrace the life You offer.
Grant us the courage to surrender our own plans and ambitions, trusting in Your perfect will for our lives. Help us to live selflessly, putting the needs of others before our own, and to find true fulfillment in serving You.
May we always remember that true life is found in following You, and that by losing our lives for Your sake, we gain the eternal life You promise. Strengthen our faith and guide us on the path of righteousness, so that we may live in a way that honors You.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE DAY OF THE SON OF MAN
Luke 17:22-37
Gospel Acclamation
Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
Gospel | Luke 17:26–37
26 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; 27 they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; 29 on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. 30 So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise a person in the field must not return to what was left behind. 32 Remember the wife of Lot. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. 35 And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” 36-37 They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
