The message of this Gospel runs counter to so much of our instinct for self-preservation. For those who believe that we are simply more highly evolved animals, in a materialist universe, the most important thing is to pass on your genes. Somehow this is enough to give purpose or meaning to life! Jesus points to a higher purpose: "Those who love their life lose it; and those who lose their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (Jn 12: 25) How can we believe that this is true? Why should we live our lives for others and obey the Gospel when the world and media continue to tell us otherwise? The key, of course, is the resurrection with the personal example of Jesus Christ revealing the truth about God's love, power and plan of salvation: "It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." (Heb 1: 10-11) Let us look to Jesus and follow him, especially in times of tragedy and misfortune, so that the power that vindicated him in his obedience to the father will also be manifested in us now and for eternal life.
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