Today, we delve into a profound and challenging truth as we reflect on the words of Jesus: “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” These words invite us to examine our hearts and understand the nature of the gift of finding true life in Christ. As we consider our readings from the Second Epistle of John and the Gospel of Luke, we see how love, truth, and the stark reality of our choices are intertwined in the tapestry of our faith which will reflect either an abandonment and resignation to the will of God or an exaggerated and paranoid dependence on one’s self.
In the Second Epistle of John, we hear a heartfelt message from the apostle, who rejoices in seeing some of the faithful living according to the truth and commands of Christ. John emphasizes the foundational commandment to love one another, highlighting that love is not simply a feeling but a way of life reflected in our actions—walking according to God’s commandments. This love and adherence to God’s commands form the bedrock of our relationship with Him.
John warns against the deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, those who twist the truth for their own gain. In our current world, we face a myriad of distractions and deceptions that can lead us away from the simplicity of the Gospel.
These “progressive” ideologies often entice us to compromise our faith in the name of modernity, enticing us to seek self-preservation rather than a selfless love that mirrors the love of Christ. We are reminded that to remain in the teachings of Christ is to remain connected to God, for as John writes, “whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.”
Now, let us turn to the Gospel of Luke. Jesus speaks of the days of Noah and Lot—times marked by complacency, indulgence, and a focus on earthly concerns. The people were so caught up in their lives that they failed to recognize the seriousness and urgency of the signs surrounding them. Jesus warns us that it will be similar when He returns, urging his followers to act decisively, leaving behind everything that could hinder their relationship with God. The call is for radical detachment from worldly desires and attachments—an invitation to lose what we think is our life in order to truly find it in Him.
So what does it mean to lose one’s life? It means letting go of our attachment to self-preservation, pride, and the comforts of this world. It challenges us to examine what we hold dear—our security, our plans, our reputation—and asks us to place them in the hands of God. To lose our life is to embrace a life of service, humility, and love that reflects Christ’s love for us. It is to willingly give of ourselves without expecting recompense, knowing that in doing so, we do not lose our lives but find eternal fulfillment in the embrace of our Creator.
Jesus’ admonition not to return for what is left behind is a call to be vigilant and prepared. We must always keep our focus on Him and His teachings. The warning is stark: where the body is, there also the vultures will gather. What does this say about our choices? It asks us to reflect on what we are drawn to—are we gathering around the life-giving presence of Christ or the distractions and deceptions of this world?
Brothers and sisters, as we navigate our daily lives, let us strive to walk in the truth, anchored in love and obedience to Christ’s commandments. Let us remain vigilant against the temptations that seek to sway us from our path. When we are tempted to preserve our lives in selfish ways, let us remember that true life is found in losing ourselves in love for others and in our commitment to God.
The husband who spends his life in sacrificial love for his wife will find life in Christ and in abundance. The priest who spends himself for his flock will continually have the life-giving presence of Christ energizing and sustaining him. The mother who lavishly cares for her children and devotes her energy to their upbringing in the Lord will be sustained and blessed by him. These are just a few examples of finding life when we’re willing to lay it down for others.
May we rejoice in walking in the truth and love of Christ, finding not just our own salvation but also being instruments of salvation for those around us. Let us affirm our commitment to love, to truth, and to the Gospel every day, trusting that in losing ourselves, we truly gain life—a life that is abundant and eternal in Him.
Amen.
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