Giving oneself fully to Christ

The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Gerry Donato SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

We all know the story of how Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert — offered “the riches and kingdoms of the world” if only He would bow down before Satan. Did Jesus give in? No. He firmly rejected the temptation, declaring: “Away with you, Satan! It is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.”

Many of us dream of material possessions and lifelong wealth. With the financial and economic struggles in our country and in the world, it may seem foolish not to dream of earning more — to build a decent home, to provide food for our families, and to send our children to school.

Yet we must realize that “gaining the whole world” neither guarantees happiness nor eternal life. Riches are not a ticket to the Kingdom. Worse still is the illusion that one can “buy” God’s favor with material wealth. This is the very mistake Jesus warns us against: becoming obsessed with worldly riches at the cost of losing our soul.

This warning comes in the context of discipleship. Jesus calls His disciples not only to deny themselves and carry their cross, but also to detach themselves from the pursuit of worldly riches. A true disciple is one who knows, loves, and follows only one Master — Jesus Himself.

Is this our experience with Christ today? Have we given ourselves fully to Him, or have we allowed material possessions to occupy our hearts while God becomes a mere interruption in our lives? Let us remember the words Jesus spoke in His temptation: “Lord, help me to worship You alone, and You alone I serve.”