Meditation: John 12:24-26 from The Word Among Us... Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, once explained it this way: “A mother … goes home and begins her day made up of a thousand little things. Her life is literally reduced to crumbs, but what she does is no little thing: It is Eucharist with Jesus! A religious sister … goes to her daily work among the old, the sick, the children. Her life too might seem split by many small things that leave no trace at night—another day wasted. But her life too is Eucharist… . No one should say, ‘What use is my life? What am I doing in this world?’ You are in the world for the most sublime of reasons, to be a living sacrifice. To be Eucharist with Jesus.” When we put aside ourselves to help others, or when we stand up for the gospel, we join martyrs like Lawrence in sharing in Jesus’ sacrifice for the world. The “crumbs” of our lives are gathered together and bring hope to other people. Each one of us is a treasure of the Church. “Jesus, help me to empty myself so that I can serve your people. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2,5-9
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 05:07:16 +0000