“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” (Lk 9:23-25)

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One common theme found throughout the Gospels is detachment. Very apropos for Lent. In other passages, we see Jesus preaching on detachment from money, material goods and worldly security (Mt 5:19-34), as well as from family (Lk 14:26). In today’s reading he exhorts detachment from one’s very self. These are the 3 greatest attachments we can have in this life: self, family, and worldly possessions (for pleasure, comfort, security). Yet, God says to love but detach. Don’t allow one’s heart to be dependent.

Why?

Human happiness and peace is attained only by letting go and living the First Commandment fully: keeping God and His will as no. 1 value and priority in one’s life with a complete child-like dependence (Mt 18:3).