What can one give in exchange for his life?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 16:24-28*

*First Reading - Dt 4:32-40*

*What can one give in exchange for his life?*

*1) One of the important Questions of our life*

The above question is important, because it directly refers and touches to our life 

Since we consider life is very important for us, exchanging of life with something appears to be very strange 

Since the Gospel makes a mention of this issue, it is very important to reflect about the same 

*2) The exchange of Life with Something*

Is it possible to exchange life with Something?

This very difficult and very challenging question of our life 

But careful analysis of our life shows that, the gift of life is given to be exchanged with something 

Without this exchange life seems to be meaningless and it loses its real value 

So at the peripheral level one should accept that life is meant for exchange, and exchange with something

*3) Two levels of Exchange is possible*

The purpose of our life achieved when the gift of life, given by God, is exchanged with something 

It can be exchanged for the worldly things or it can be exchanged for the heavenly or for Holy things 

Both these things are possible

*4) Life exchanged for Worldly things*

This seems to be more attractive and easy. So many people follow this path 

People who have tendency for worldly things, they exchange their life with the following things 

Life is exchanged with, power, position, money, wealth, beauty, influence, dominance, exploitation, cheating, bodily plessures etc.

There people who are ready to exchange their life for the above mentioned things. In other words for them life means worldly pomp and glory

*5) Life exchanged for the a heavenly things* 

This is the real purpose of ones life. There are many examples which highlight this truth 

All the martyrs, exchange their life for truth, justice, values, and to establish the kingdom of God 

All the saints have exchanged their life for holiness, service, preaching the good news, and to serve the poor 

*6) The Follower of Christ should exchange His life for the Following things*

First of all a Christian is called to exchange his/her life for the heavenly things 

So one has to exchange his/her life for the following things 

Life should be exchanged for service, sacrifice, care and concern for the poor, forgiveness, sincerity, simplicity, generosity, endurance, disciple, and all the Kingdom values 

*7) The End result of Exchange*

The exchange of life for the above things will have results according their nature

A life which is exchanged for the heavenly things will have holy life, grace of God, eternal life, sainthood, and life without end 

On the contrary a life which is exchanged with the worldly things, loses its very purpose, and ends eveything with the loss of physical life. In this level nothing is gained, but one loses everything in long run

*8) What is my exchange for Life?*

Is it worldly things that I prefer? 

Is is heavenly things or kingdom values? 

Mother Theresa exchanged her life in the service of destitutes 

Ignatius of Loyola exchanged his life for the service of the poor 

John the Baptist exchanged his life for truth and justice 

Jesus exchanged his life for our salvation

Then what is my exchange for life? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*