The Whole World is not Worth our Life

 

Our life is worth more than the whole world.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Friday of 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, and the Memorial of St. Clare, August 11th, 2023
Texts: Deuteronomy 4:32-40; Psalm 77:12-16,21; Matthew 16:24-28 

There is one implicit message in today’s gospel reading. The message is that the whole world is not worth our life. Our life is worth more than the whole world. This is clear in the words: “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” Not even the whole world we can give in return for our life! This is to tell us that our life is invaluable. It is invaluable because it is the gift of God. There is nothing we can give in return for God’s gift.  

What we need to do is to follow His Son who is the way, the truth and the life. Following Him means accepting what He accepts and rejecting what He rejects. Hence, He says, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Our cross is the sacrifice we make daily to keep integrity of faith. The cost of saying the truth, being just, remorse for sins, etc. In this way we surrender our life into His hands to secure it. Hence, He adds, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find.” 

Following Christ is the right choice for us because He is the One who will judge us. In His words: “For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.” We pass through safely the crucible of His judgment by following Him. Whatever He deserves, we also deserve by His judgement. As He lives forever we are to live forever by His judgement.  

Moses, in today’s first reading, speaks to God’s people the great things God has done for them and the meaning. He reminds us that the deed of God is always unique and uncommon to any gods. Moses speaks of this attribute as a revelation that there is no god like our God. It is the revelation of God’s love and choice for the beneficiaries of the great deed. Moses establishes that God reveals Himself by His deeds.  

We have in Christ the most wonderful experience of God’s deeds. He spoke to our forefathers in faith from fire. God speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. He saved the old people by trial, signs, terror, wonders and war. He saved us by the death of His only-begotten Son. The old people were given earthly inheritance. We are given heavenly inheritance. Earthly inheritance fades while heavenly inheritance lasts forever. The love and faithfulness of God we enjoy in Christ is unparalleled. It reveals that there is no God like Him and that we are special to Him. 

Prayer  

God our Father, we thank You for the gift of life and love, help us to know by  your works. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke