Trading Up with Sacrifices (07/30/2025)

Every year, I am impressed by the youth who make sacrifices to complete their confirmation preparations. They attend the classes even though they haven’t been home after sports practice. They are so appreciative for a small snack as I take attendance because they haven’t eaten. They come and participate in discussions about living the faith even though they have a ton of homework to complete before they can go to bed. Their spirits are high, their smiles are persistent. And as I end the evening praying for each one out loud by name, I believe with all my heart that these youth recognize that what they are sacrificing for today is worth it.

I see people sacrificing frequently, spurred on by faith, hope and love. I see it in the multitude of women and men and youth who show up to help with parish events and funeral luncheons. I see it when individuals take time to intentionally share their time and their gifts with others at liturgies. I see it at community functions where individuals take time away from their own pursuits to help provide for others and to help build community. I have been blessed by the example of so very many who make real sacrifices for love of the LORD and others.

This week the gospel readings (Monday & today) were from Matthew’s account of Jesus’ proclaiming the parable of the “Kingdom of heaven.” We know them well. The first two, the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the yeast, remind us that the “Kingdom of heaven” begins small but with faith, with hope, with love, with sharing our faith, with encouraging the faith of others, the world is changed, the Kingdom grows.

Today’s gospel shares the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, both of which compelled the finder to sacrifice possessions and wealth in order to gain the “treasure.” We are reminded that the treasure we desire, the treasure the LORD offers to us – life in abundance with Him – it comes only with sacrifices. We must choose the essential and be willing to sacrifice the non-essential. But we will because we believe we are “trading up.”

During this week of Ordinary Time which isn’t really “ordinary” but rather “ordered,” let us take time to consider how in order our lives are in line with the LORD’s will for us and the LORD’s call to us. Are we working to grow our faith but sharing it? As ironic as it seems, we on “the Way” know the truth – the more we share our faith, the larger it grows, the deeper it goes. We also know that love works the same way – give it freely and it multiplies. How generous have we been with faith and love? And are we choosing wisely, setting down the non-essentials so as to be free to pick up the essential, life in Christ, living Christ? What are we willing to sacrifice for life in abundance with the LORD whom we love with all our being?

As we continue on our journeys, may we keep the parables of the “Kingdom of heaven” in mind, remembering the growth that is possible when it involves the LORD and the rewards for sacrificing for love of the LORD and one another. We need only look at our Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He gave His life selflessly upon a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Who would have ever guessed that the gift of one could atone for all? Many would have deemed it insufficient. But we know the LORD’s math isn’t the same as ours. And who could have foretold that the sacrifice of one would open the heavens for so many? A loving sacrifice always yield more than one might imagine or hope.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.