Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent - March 16, 2022

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 Jeremiah 18:18-20      Matthew 20:17-28

As Christians, we all strive for the same goal: to spend the rest of eternity sitting beside our Father in heaven. We do our best to live according to the Gospel, to walk on the path of righteousness, and to seek forgiveness when we lose our way.

We each have our own interpretations of what is the “right” path to becoming worthy enough to earn a seat at His table. Some believe the answer is more prayer and attending church beyond our Sunday obligation. Others believe it is tithing more, giving more, earning more, or preaching more. We presume each accomplishment adds to our “faith piggy bank” – accumulating enough fortune to buy our ticket to heaven. We may even seek shortcuts to get there – like the mother of James and John. However, no matter how much we add to our “faith piggy bank” we can never “earn” enough. The Gospel is clear: whoever seeks to be great in the eyes of our Lord must become a servant.

Jesus was brought to this earth to free us from sin through his Passion – the greatest act of love. He did not come to rule over us. He came to serve. To live through Christ’s example, the right path is to fill each other’s piggy bank instead of filling our own. Jesus gave up his life so we can have a seat at the table in his father’s house. After reading today’s message, I find myself asking:

Q: What am I willing to sacrifice to aid in the salvation of others?


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