From today's second reading: "Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth."
In the Church, we celebrate today as Laetare Sunday; literally "rejoice Sunday". Halfway through Lent, we take a little break to celebrate the Light who is Jesus, as we walk toward his resurrection at Easter. During this difficult time, celebrating the light/Light is an important booster as we continue to navigate uncharted waters. To help us celebrate, and see goodness and righteousness, I share a reflection (edited for length) that I received in the Friday homework load:
"'Unconditional' captures the essence of Lasallian spirituality. We are mean to use our gifts and talents to help others, not ourselves. We do this without conditions or limitations of any kind. There are no bargains or contracts by which we should abide. We are called to help others without expected anything in return, just as God has done for us.
At first glance, the word might frighten some. How can we give ourselves unconditionally? What is left for us in the end? It is important to understand that giving ourselves completely to others does not mean that we lose sight of who we are. On the contrary, we come to find our true selves in our relationship with God and others.
Even after completing our service learning requirements, my friend and I continued to volunteer at a nursing home prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. From the beginning, I knew that I wanted to volunteer at the care center for a longer period of time. Staff members offered to pay my friend and I for our service, but we did not accept. Truly, the greatest thing of all is seeing people's face light up when you show them compassion and care. I do not expect a smile or genuine sentiment in return for any of the work I do. However, you come to realize that the most pure and genuine parts of yourself are found where conditions and limitations are not. Further, God's will for us is to be sharers in the divine nature, which we have learned means to love selflessly. By living unconditionally, we give ourselves wholeheartedly to others and to God so that we may become instruments of peace and justice in the world."
May the Light that is Christ similarly inspire us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts!