Try the latest Words of Life as Spotify Podcasts.

Tip: To see latest Words of Life, use Refine Search to list by Year. If using Mobile device, Refine Search may be located at end of page.

When Christ gave teaching and commandments on earth, he always made it clear that they were from his Father. He also never gave any instruction that he himself was not prepared to fulfil, not as an obligation but from the heart as an inward desire. This was shown in that great sacrifice of our Lord on the cross where we know he had the power to call on legions of angels to come down to his aid. But he knew that the reconciliation of man with God was at stake, and in this desire to share the great blessing of this unity with God, that he already had, he gave up his life so that all mankind could also partake of this blessing We see He gave up his life so that this peace and love of the union with God could be shared by all. Christ laid down his life for his friends. We too, as the mystical body of Christ on earth, the Church, have to be prepared as individuals and a group, to obey this commandment as an inward desire, spontaneously.

A Brother recently related to me of a story he had read of a group of children in a refugee camp, which really highlighted our text. These children had suffered through war and famine and most now only had one parent left their only relation known to them. They found it difficult to understand the English language and the children were being shifted to a safer place when, as a result of an accident, one of them suffered a large loss of blood. It became apparent, that unless a blood transfusion could be given, the child’s life would be lost. The medical staff had no such equipment, and agreed the only way to save the life would be the direct transfer of blood from one child to the other. This was explained to the other children and volunteer was asked for. None came forward at first, but then a little girl came forward. The needle and line was placed in her to the injured child and the transfusion began. After a little while she began to sob and was asked if the needle was hurting, to which she replied No! As her sobbing became worse, it was apparent she was distressed, and a nurse spoke quietly to her to find what was wrong. She found that the little girl was sad because she had not been given the opportunity to say goodbye to her Mother. It became apparent that the children thought that they were being asked to give their life over to their injured friend and that their life would end. What wonderful love was shown by that little girl for her friend.

Now in our daily life, there are many occasions where we can give up many things in our life, by overcoming the ways of this world. As an example to our friends which may prompt them into also avoiding being caught up into something, whereby they may be hurt. This is laying down our pleasures (life) so that our friends may live. Young people certainly are put in this position as “peer pressure” tempts many to go to unsavory places, to tryout things which lead on to problems in life. If, by the Spirit of Christ within, these can be openly withstood by one person, this often gives the strength to others, to also walk away. Often we are confronted with an opportunity in life to benefit personally, but at the expense of others. If we can find the strength to resist that, we are in a way, laying this down for our friends.  When we sacrifice time, effort and money, to help others, we are giving up part of our life for our friends. We know that according to Christ’s teaching, this must be done from the heart, not as an obligation, and certainly not in a way where we look for a reward. Matthew 6:4. “And thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”

Any time in life we can achieve to fulfil this text, we should be comforted to know that not only our earthly friends may have benefited, but more importantly, we have done it for our heavenly friend, our Lord Jesus. John 15:14. “Ye are my friends, if ye do what soever I command thee”.