“Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves. ”

“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.” ― Francis of Assisi: (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, informally named as Francesco (1182 – 1226) was an Italian Roman Catholic friar and preacher)

Gospel Text: (JN 12:24-26)

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Amen, amen, I say to you,

unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains just a grain of wheat;

but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Whoever loves his life loses it,

and whoever hates his life in this world

will preserve it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me,

and where I am, there also will my servant be.

The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

Jesus realized that everything on this earth was temporary, both the joys and the pains: everything is fleeting. The real peace and happiness that we seek can only be found in the Father's love. We are called to die to our own insecurities, our personal conflicts, our selfish interests, and our self-centeredness. Only when we open ourselves to what God accepts in us can we be able to die to the temporary and give in to what is eternal and lasting. We are meant for something so much more.