Aught 9th: Come to me over the water
August 9, 2020
Your vote is your voice
August 10, 2020

August 10th: Die, or Live Trying

‘May we live our lives trying to die to ourselves just a little more each day…’

John 12:24-26

Emotional Intelligence is the current buzz in business and Christian circles. Self-awareness, empathy, the ability to access and understand our emotions, being able to connect with others, are all valuable EQ skills. But this demands vulnerability, and who really seeks to be vulnerable? Nobody wants to feel weak and exposed. This kind of dying is risky.
Yet this is how we sow Kingdom values and reap heavenly rewards. By being the first to extend the hand of reconciliation or keeping silent when you want to defend against unfair attacks. It is being there for others when you are exhausted. Sometimes, like Saint Lawrence of our feast today, it means standing up for the poor and oppressed no matter the personal cost.
May we live our lives trying to die to ourselves just a little more each day, so that we can gain the promise of the Kingdom.
Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to bear our crosses daily and to live a life of selfless love and generosity. Amen.