Sunday, 5th Week: Those Who Lose Their Lives Will Gain Them

"Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25

The great paradox of life is that those who lose their lives will gain them. This paradox becomes visible in very ordinary situations. If we cling to our friends, we may lose them, but if we are nonpossessive in our relationships, we will make many friends. If fame is what we seek and desire, it often vanishes as soon as we acquire it, but if we have no need to be known, we might be remembered long after our deaths. When we want to be in the center, we easily end up on the margins, but when we are free enough to be wherever we must be, we often find ourselves in the center.

Giving away our lives for others is the greatest of all human acts. This will gain us our lives.

"Which of your daily routines reveal self-centeredness? Which reveal openness to God and to others?"

Henri Nouwen

"Accueille chaque jour comme un cadeau.
Live each day as a total gift!"