Daily Gospel Reflection for March 22, 2015

Today's Gospel: John 12:20-33

This passage is simultaneously daunting and inspiring. On one hand, Jesus gives us something to try for; that is, we are told to lose our lives and serve our Lord. On the other hand, I know that I can never live up to the self-sacrifice of my God.

But we are not called to exactly replicate Christ; instead, I am called to live out my vocation as a saint as only I can.

Last year, I was asked to take on a pretty big year-long job at school. After praying about it for a while, I realized that it was through this job that the Lord was giving me an opportunity for sanctity. A month into the school year, I was questioning my sanity, but at the same time, I was able to acknowledge that if He wanted me to make a difference through my work, He would also give me all the graces necessary. All that was required of me was that I would open my heart to receive those graces.

And so, instead of giving up 30 short days into the year, I allowed myself to lose my life in pursuit of Christ through my work. (This wasn’t as hard for me as it could have been, as I work for our university chapel; Jesus lives just on the other side of my wall!) There were days when I “hated” how much time I was spending at work. There were weekends that my time was consumed with 4 large-scale Masses instead of relaxing with friends. But what I came to realize was that this work was bringing me closer to Christ.

Each of us has our own path to sanctity. For me, right now that path is coordinating events for our chapel. For you, it could be as a barista, a stay-at-home mom, or a lawyer. No matter what the Lord has asked you to do, He will shower you with enough grace for the present moment, if only you allow Him to.

Ponder:

What is one way that I can better accept the tasks that God has placed in my life?

Pray:

Lord, today allow me to die to self, just as the grain must die to produce fruit. Help me to see that my path to sanctity is the best way for me to reach You, and that you will give me grace enough for each moment. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Allison DeWolf