Christian love Jesus gave his disciples as a commandment is self-giving or life-giving sacrifice. This love goes far beyond being together with someone. Even thieves and robbers spend a lot of time together and enjoy each other’s company. But Jesus teaches us to abandon ourselves for the sake of the good of others. This love is selfless. One denies himself to give himself to others.
Have you seen this kind of love? I have. I guess all of us know someone who always gives but never expects any reward. It could be your parents or a sibling. It could be a sacristan who does more work than the pastor of the parish. Do you feel warm and fuzzy when you witness self-emptying love? No, I do not. On the opposite, I feel upset. The people who give their life to others seem too naïve and almost foolish. Yes, I know what they are doing is good and noble. But most times, they are never acknowledged for their sacrifices. Instead, so often, other people take advantage of their good hearts. Sometimes they even seem to expose others to temptations to exploit them.
However, God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom. Human wisdom and knowledge cannot save man from sin and death. Christ’s foolishness to give his life to those who do not appreciate his sacrifice opened the gate of salvation.
Our life and this world can go because of someone’s sacrifice. Thanks to those abandoning their life for others without any reward, our life, our Church, and our world are sustained and become better than yesterday.
If you are giving yourself out but never acknowledged, please do not be dismayed. Jesus had it first. So, instead, be joyful because no one knows what you are doing. But be assured that our Lord knows better than anyone. Let our Lord be our only consolation. And he will not refuse to give indescribable joy to all who self-sacrifice for others’ good.
