Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?”
Matthew 16: 24-26
Jesus calls us to follow in His footsteps, which soon enough lead to the cross of Holy Friday. He asks us, “What profit is it to gain the whole world – and lose our soul?” As God, He knows something we often do not think about – what is the value of our soul? We take it for granted; we often don’t even think of it at all. Some even ask, “What is my soul?” Jesus’ answer would be “Your soul is a treasure that I am willing to die to purchase and set free!” He demonstrates with His actions just how precious our soul is to Him. He also asks if we are willing to value it to the extent He does. Will we treasure eternal life as He does? Do we nourish it by partaking in the precious life He gives us by way of Holy Communion every Sunday? Our ability to say “yes” to Jesus is itself a grace of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The “yes” is strengthened by our living in a way pleasing to Him.
Let us pray with St. Gregory:
And now, in all and for all, your mercy is hope, Lord Jesus,
first light of our eyes and our hearts,
all good deeds, life and immortality are from you.
Turn with compassion toward me and make my soul return to you rejoicing.
For without you I cannot be transformed anew, and if your will is not in sympathy with me,
I am unable to save myself since I am condemned to death.
And if you, my guide, did not show me the way,
marking the footsteps on the path that leads to you,
I would fall into the abyss on the right and the left.
Accept my pleas as from an innocent petitioner,
compassionate God, who loves mankind,
blessed through all eternity.
Amen.
Prayer 54 A, E
