Dear Saints,

Today’s second reading offers us a stunning insight: “He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.” We’d do well to let St. Paul’s words wash over us for a moment. We not only share Jesus’s beginning, but also his end - that is, his reason for being.

It’s a very powerful reality. It’s also pretty challenging.

For one thing, we’re not St. Paul’s exclusive audience. Think about the people you struggle to love most, and then remember that Jesus has stopped at nothing to be one with them too. Are we called to anything less? Definitely not, and we indulge divisive thoughts and words at our own great risk.

For another thing, St. Paul is talking about sacrifice. We give ourselves over to God by way of the cross, and it comes at great cost. But when you share an origin story with the savior of the world, it’s only fitting that your life would become a deliberate act of devotion to him and those he loves.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ