The Scriptures, however, reveal another side of reality: answering God’s call does not always make life easier; it often calls us to sacrifice. The prophet Jeremiah discovers this firsthand. He is rejected and discouraged, yet he cannot silence God’s word, because it burns within him like a fire. Peter, too, wants Jesus to have the crown without the cross. But Jesus teaches him that there is no true discipleship without self-giving and no resurrection without the cross.

This is where St. Paul brings the message to its heart: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” A living sacrifice means placing our whole life on God’s altar—not just once, but every day. A mother caring for her children, a father choosing honesty over profit, someone forgiving a deep hurt, caring for an aging parent, serving the lonely, remaining faithful in marriage, or praying when faith feels difficult—these ordinary acts can become living sacrifices.

Christian sacrifice is not about earning God’s love; it is our response to the love Christ has already shown us. At every Eucharist, Christ gives Himself for us and invites us to respond: “Lord, I give myself to you.”

The world asks, “What will I get?” The Gospel asks, “What can I give in love?” We may not choose every cross we face, but we can choose to carry it with Christ. When our sacrifices are united with Christ, burdens become offerings, the cross leads to resurrection, and self-giving leads to true life.

Blessings in Christ,
Fr. Lijoy Jose, OFM Cap.
Pastor

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