What I’m Thinking: Self-Offering

After yet another outburst of violence has claimed so many lives, so many young lives, it is hard to hear Jesus say, “Those who lose their lives will gain them.” I think it is true, however, that the act of offering ourselves helps us find our deepest selves. By offering ourselves, we find our true life.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking this week about the students and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and we prayed for them and for their deceased teachers and fellow students on Sunday. The time for prayers, well, it changes into a time for action. Action to prevent another such tragedy. Action to prevent all the other tragedies that happen in homes and streets all across America.

Thoughts and prayers: Yes. But let us prevent any such thing from ever happening again. Those students are willing to lead us. Let us follow.

I’m also thinking about the eighth chapter of Mark (Mark 8:31-38). In it, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to go to Jerusalem, that he is going to be arrested, and he’s going to be executed.

Peter takes him aside and tells him that he should not say such things, and Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me Satan. Those who would save their lives will lose them; those who would lose their lives for my sake will save them.”

In the wake of another mass shooting, in the wake of another school shooting, this is a difficult, difficult text to hear. It does not say place others in jeopardy. It does not say protect others from harm.

It does say give of yourself so that you might find the deepest part of yourself. Give of yourself so that you might find the richness of life.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear about what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.