At some point in our life we will be called to exchange self for someone else’s problem, illness, or crisis. He or she might be a spouse, sibling, parent, child, friend, or a complete stranger.
When it happens, it can be one of the most profound spiritual moments you can experience. For in so doing and in making the sacrifice of self, you discover the person who you really are. When you quit complaining about the task and embrace the ordeal, you become who we are all called to be — our’s brother/sister’s keeper.
In the Good Samaritan parable, Jesus is asked about how to gain eternal life. He answers: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” In a way Christ was saying exchange self for your neighbor is every aspect of your life.
Now who wants to have “eternal life” now and in the future?
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