"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."
LUKE 9:24
Material wealth and worldly possessions are not the most important things in life. If one were to acquire all the wealth and possessions in the world but lose their moral integrity, self-respect, or spiritual well-being in the process, then such gain would be meaningless or even detrimental. Jesus emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s values and spiritual health over materialistic pursuits. This is a philosophical perspective and different people may interpret it differently based on their beliefs and values. It’s always good to reflect on what truly matters to you in life.
In the realm where the sun meets the sea, a voice whispers, "Come, follow me. Deny thyself, let your old self cease, take up your cross, find your inner peace. Each dawn brings a cross to bear, a path to tread, a burden to share. Yet in this struggle, you're not alone, for the One you follow has set the tone. He walked the path, He bore the pain, in sun and wind, in snow and rain.
He denied Himself, His life to give, so through His sacrifice, we may live. So take up your cross, let the world be, and follow the One who sets you free. For what is gained if the world you win, but lose the soul that dwells within? So come now, follow Him, don't delay, take up your cross and walk His way. Through trials and tribulations, you'll see, the beauty of His love, deep as the sea."
22 Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Luke 9:22-25)
Choosing to live in accordance with God’s teachings, one can lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. This choice is not just for one’s own benefit, but also for the well-being of future generations. The promise of a long life on the land that God has sworn to give signifies the blessings and rewards that come with such a commitment. It’s a beautiful reminder that our choices and actions today have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just our own lives, but also those of our descendants. It encourages us to choose wisely, to choose a life of love, faith, and obedience to God’s will.
Choose life, oh soul, in this vast cosmic dance, for you and yours, give faith a chance. Love the Lord, your God, with all your might, in the quiet morning and the silent night. Heed His voice, in the whisper of the trees, in the rustling leaves, carried by the breeze. Hold fast to Him, in trials and in joy, for His love is a fortress, none can destroy. For choosing life, is choosing His way, a path of love, where no shadows lay. It means life for you, abundant and free, a promise of what is, and what will be. A long life to live, on the land so fair, a gift from the Lord, beyond compare. He swore He would give, to you and your kin, a testament of His love, that dwells within.
15 Moses said to the people: “Today set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. 16 If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving him, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy. 17 If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, 18 I tell you now that you will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy. 19 I call heaven and earth today to witness against you I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, 20 by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)
This is a beautiful metaphor that describes a person who is deeply rooted in their faith and draws nourishment from it, just as a tree planted by the water draws nourishment from the soil and water. This person is fruitful, yielding good works when the time is right, much like a tree that bears fruit in its season. Their spiritual vitality remains constant, represented by the leaves that never fade. And because they are grounded in a life-giving source, whatever they do prospers. It’s a powerful image of spiritual growth and prosperity that comes from a life lived in harmony with one’s faith and values.
He stands tall, like a tree by the brook, in life's grand, open book. Roots deep, in faith they soak, in the running water's gentle croak. His leaves, they never fade, in the sun or in the shade. Green and vibrant, they parade, a testament to the life he's made. In due season, his fruits appear, a harvest of love, joy, and cheer. Bountiful and clear, a melody for all to hear. Whatever he does, it prospers well, like a story, we all tell. In his heart, peace does dwell, in the sound of the ringing bell. So, let us be like the tree, planted by the water, wild and free. Yielding fruit, for all to see, living life, in harmony.
1 Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted near running water that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. 4 Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6)
Lord Jesus, life is meaningless if it is lived outside of You for You are the one true life that dwells within me. No amount of material wealth and worldly possessions can substiute the inner peace that You give. Help me dear Lord to always deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You. Thank You so much for carrying me through trials and tribulations, making me see the beauty of Your love, as deep as the sea. I completely surrender my whole life and well-being under Your constant care and guidance. With much love I humbly pray. Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE FIRST PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / THE CONDITIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Luke 9:22 / 23-27
IV. Final Words of Moses
THE CHOICE BEFORE ISRAEL
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
First Book of Psalms 1-41
TRUE HAPPINESS IN GOD'S LAW
Psalm 1:1-6
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat
