Think today if your love for God is complete

Jesus said in response: “You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I'm about to drink? "They told him:" We can. " He replied, "My cup you will truly drink, but to sit at my right and left, this is not mine to give, but is for those for whom it was prepared by my Father." Matthew 20: 22–23

It's easy to have good intentions, but is it enough? The gospel passage above was spoken by Jesus to brothers James and John after their loving mother came to Jesus and asked him to promise her that her two sons would sit to her right and left when she took her royal throne. Perhaps it was a little bold of her to ask for Jesus' one, but it was clearly a mother's love that was behind her request.

However, it is important to note that he did not actually realize what he was asking for. And if she had realized what he was asking of her, perhaps she would not have asked Jesus for this "favor" at all. Jesus was going up to Jerusalem where he would take his throne on the cross and be crucified. And it was in this context that Jesus was asked if James and John could join him on his throne. This is why Jesus asks these two apostles: "Can you drink the cup I am about to drink?" To which they reply: "We can". And Jesus confirms this by telling them: "My cup you will really drink".

They were invited by Jesus to follow in his footsteps and courageously give their lives in a sacrificial way for the love of others. They should have given up all fear and be ready and willing to say "Yes" to their crosses as they sought to serve Christ and His mission.

Following Jesus is not something we should do halfway. If we want to be a true follower of Christ, then we too need to drink the cup of His Precious Blood in our souls and be nourished by that gift so that we are ready and willing to give ourselves to the point of total sacrifice. We must be ready and willing not to hold back, even if it means the maximum sacrifice.

True, very few people will be called to be literal martyrs as these Apostles were, but ALL of us are called to be martyrs in spirit. This means that we must be so completely surrendered to Christ and His will that we died for ourselves.

Reflect today on Jesus who asks you this question: "Can you drink from the cup that I am about to drink?" Can you gladly give everything without holding back anything? Can your love for God and others be so complete and total that you are a martyr in the true sense of the word? You decide to say "Yes", drink the cup of His Precious Blood and offer your life daily in total sacrifice. It's worth it and you can do it!

Lord, may my love for you and others be so complete as to hold back nothing. I can only give my mind to your truth and my will to your way. And may the gift of Your Precious Blood be my strength on this journey so that I can imitate your perfect and sacrificial love. Jesus I believe in you.