The readings for this week notice the two voices that often present themselves in life. Are we prepared to die for another or kill another to get what we want? This sharp contrast between the spirit of life and the spirit of death brings us to become people of prayer who seek to live for God and not just ourselves. This can present itself in many ways in our daily life. How often have we been in a queue waiting for something important to happen? Whether this as the airport waiting to be called on to a flight or simply queueing at the supermarket checkout. There can often be an impatience that starts to creep up within us and before we know it we start to notice the idiosyncrasies of those in the line ahead of us. They start to get under our skin and we wonder why they have not checked in that bag or seem to be taking so long. Before we know it all sorts of stories start to manifest within us and before we know it we can be thinking about what is wrong with the person. We notice how quickly our mood can change towards uncharitable thoughts and actions.
Yet what we notice is that those who are gentle and considerate to others seem to have an easier time of it. Their focus is not just on considering their own needs but the needs of those around them. They seek to assist those who are struggling, whether it is by a kind word, a warm smile or a helping hand. Each encounter is considered to be a meeting with the person of Christ is who seeks to bring peace and shows leadership by a profound giving of self. This is not to draw attention to himself but to draw attention to the love of God that transforms death into life.
As we travel through this week we can notice how each moment is an opportunity to be people who die for others rather than seek to compete with others for what we want. Will we seek to be people who die to ourselves so that others may discover how they are loved by God?
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