On Offering Our Lives

Recently a parishioner asked me about a practice which he has developed over the last several years. Upon awakening in the morning after a good night's rest and fitful sleep, he proceeds to offer that night's rest for all people who failed to enjoy a good evening's sleep. I was asked whether or not this was a good practice.

This conversation led to a deeper one in which I explained to this parishioner that this is a long standing Christian tradition: offering up moments of our lives for the good of others.

It is a simple devotion that can enrich all of our lives and it takes such little effort. To be able to see in our lives moments of satisfaction, or even dissatisfaction, as opportunities to unite our joys and sufferings with those of Jesus Christ. Our lives then become living examples of God's Hand and love working in our very midst each and every day.  When we enjoy a blessing in our life we thank God and pray for those for whom this day will be a struggle. Conversely, when we suffer, we offer our suffering up with the sufferings of Christ and we then remember those, who like Christ, need a Simon of Cyrene to help them in carrying their particular cross - whatever that may be.

In this, we help in broadening our understanding of God and of God's presence in our lives. It becomes something we can all do, if we remain mindful and aware, to ease the burdens of our sisters and brothers.