10 November 2012

Suffering and Sacrifice

In light of Veteran's Day, I've been seeing a lot of commercials on television encouraging the American public to support our troops. They show moving clips of soldiers training, working on the front lines, and even coming home and surprising their families. In one of the World Series games, a veteran threw out the first pitch. As the announcer told his story, I was actually moved to tears.

I think about how grateful I am for the men and women who literally risk their lives for my freedom. I am so humbled by their sacrifice.

On the other hand, I think of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and how often when I glance at a crucifix, I am filled with no emotions at all. I've become accustomed to the bloody suffering of Christ's Passion and Death.

I hope that Jesus will recognize that even when I am filled with no emotions at all, I choose to love Him by just showing up, day in and day out, to do His mission. When I am moved by the sacrifices of U.S. Vets, I pray that Jesus will unite their sacrifices to His.

St. Jude, Pray for our troops!