The Lord Jesus loved us and gave up his life to rescue us from sin. Loving always involves giving. Jesus speaks clearly about this, saying that the greatest love is shown in the willingness to lay  own one’s life for others, and he uses this as a measure of true love. Think about the way a mother sacrifices her life for her children. She may not literally die for them, but there is a profound way in  which she pours herself out daily for their well-being. I think of my own mother and all that she has sacrificed for us, her children: her time, her energy, her comfort, and her desires. In the same way, we are called to give of ourselves to one another: our time, our attention, our care, our encouragement, and our compassion. Giving is not always dramatic; often it is found in small, faithful acts of love. We are invited to give in whatever ways God provides opportunities, to love generously, and to reflect Christ’s self-giving love in our daily lives.

PRAYER: Abba Father, I will give thanks to you among the peoples. Amen.