Wednesday – Paul’s Place after school program and the St. Paul’s Day School

36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 

Says Jesus in today’s gospel reading from the gospel of Mark. As we prepare for our 2nd funeral in 3 days at St. Paul’s, I am once again reminded not only of our mortality, not only of our hope in Christ, but also of these words from Jesus which speak to the heart of how to live our lives in the days we are given. This same passage reminds us to take up our cross each day – for following Jesus is not always very easy. Yet the lure of “gaining the whole world” is real. 

The call of “the world” is insidiuous and infiltrates every decision we make if we let it. Jesus knew it was our greatest tempatation. So he reminds us: 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.

Lord, help me to lose my life for your sake, and for the sake of the gospel, this day and every day.