What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?
Today's gospel ends with a severe warning in the form of a rhetorical question. The Questioner assumes his hearers believe in some form of eternal life; or at least that human life has more depth and meaning than many of our modern contemporaries recognize.
In His day, in a world without X-rays, MRIs, CT-scans, blood test, or blood pressure anyone might suddenly disappear into the maw of death. When the imaginary was populated with demons, angels, and spirits, people knew the human soul is destined for eternity -- even if eternity offered nothing more than endless lethargy following a bath in the River Lethe.
Today's haves, however, often dismiss the deeper dimensions of human life as unknowable and unreal. They have what they want, and understand only power. It's palpable and real; and if they're not satisfied with their share of power, they do not suppose there is an infinitely powerful God who would surrender his power to a man in first century Judea. Everyone knows that power wants more power, shares little, and freely surrenders nothing.
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit oneself?"
We might enjoy financial success, but family and community are more satisfying. We might enjoy winning games but the camaraderie of sportsmanship is more important. We might enjoy those occasions when our opinions prevail over those of others, but our being right should humiliate no one. Every married person understands that, or must soon learn it. We might enjoy owning property, but the burden of ownership is heavy as our possessions take possession of us. It is better to let it go sooner than later. It is better to surrender power than to do harm with it.
The Lord's question puts things in perspective as we begin preparing for Holy Week and Easter. We want to walk with the Lord from the Cenacle to Gethsemane, and from Gethsemane to Calvary, and from there into the Light of Easter. It will not be an easy journey. We'd better travel lightly.
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?"
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.