Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial Love

Jesus said: “And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars.  See that you are not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

As the drums and clash of wars and potential wars echo around our globe, Autumn in Australia is a time where we pause to reflect on two events.  ANZAC Day where we reflect on the sacrifices of those fought and died for us to maintain our way of life in Australia and Easter.  Lent which leads into Easter is that time where we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was crucified on a cross, then rose from the dead so that we have a better way of living on earth and the hope of eternal life in the future.

It was Jesus who taught us that blessed are the peacemakers and spoke of laying down one’s life for others. This is seen as the ultimate sacrifice demonstrating the highest form of love, reflecting a divine selfless attitude rather than one of selfish and naked ambition.  When visiting the Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries in France, Belgium and Netherlands, I have been struck by the Cross of Sacrifice which has a bronze longsword affixed to it, this symbol links the sacrifice of sailors, soldiers and aviators with that of Christ.  It does not glorify war but reminds us that there is a greater narrative and that to maintain peace requires sacrifice.

Peacekeepers are often called to walk into harm’s way and at times make the ultimate sacrifice – not for their family or friends but for complete strangers and this is indeed an even higher form of sacrificial love.

Outside of war zones, we can live a sacrificial lifestyle where we practice selflessness daily, putting others needs first, being patient and forgiving, practice acts of service and use our time and energy for others.  When the motivation is fully for the other, the amazing thing is that the return for us, is contentment, peace, quality mental health and greater spiritual awareness.  As James states Peacemakers, who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (3:18)

May you have a reflective and peaceful ANZAC Day.

Godspeed

Steve, Chair MCF-A