Today’s readings offer a challenge to give our lives in loving service to others. The best place to begin the process of “self-giving” is in our own homes and in the workplace. We have to look upon our education, training, and experience as preparation for service to others.

Whatever may be our place in society, whether important or unimportant, we can serve and we should learn to serve with a smile. In today’s Gospel, Jesus connects service with suffering.

Suffering and service go hand in hand. Service always involves suffering because we can’t help another without some sacrifice on our own part. God always invites those who suffer to put their suffering at the service of others by uniting it with the suffering of Jesus.

We must learn to be sensitive to the suffering of those around us. One way to cultivate this sensitivity is by focusing on the needs of others rather than on our own needs. People often tailor their religious beliefs to fit their own needs, but in Christianity, this represents a false approach.

The Church needs true disciples who are cross-bearers and servants, those who seek and follow Christ wherever He leads. A happy family is the result of true sacrifice and humble service. The husband or wife makes the sacrifice of convenience, comfort, and time.

There can be no success without sacrifice. We are challenged to drink the cup of Jesus by laying down our lives in humble and sacrificial service for others.