Brothers and Sisters,

You’ve likely come across the age-old adage, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” woven into the fabric of advice from parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and mentors. It serves as a gentle nudge to remind us of the importance of hard work, emphasizing that life rarely offers something for nothing. While the sentiment behind this saying is noble, its simplicity can sometimes obscure a deeper truth.

Consider this: our earliest meals were likely provided by our mothers, a loving investment of time and effort long before we could contribute ourselves. Even seemingly “free” gestures, like the kind stranger ahead of my mother in the drive-thru line who unexpectedly paid for her meal, come with their own implicit cost. Grateful as we are for such acts of kindness, they remind us of the countless meals owed to our mothers (like mine!), debts impossible to repay fully.

Indeed, there is a cost, though we may find ourselves fortunate when others bear it on our behalf. This profound truth lies at the heart of the Eucharist, where Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross provides an eternal banquet. It’s a meal of infinite value we could never fully repay. Yet, let us not misconstrue this as an invitation to take advantage of or “mooch” off the Lord’s generosity.

I’ve admittedly hesitated to advocate for sacrifice as an answer for our Lord’s bottomless kindness, mindful of the prophetic wisdom echoed by the prophet Hosea (6:6), and affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 9:13). Moreover, Jesus issues a stern warning to the religious leaders: “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders…” (Matthew 23:4).

The Church’s guidance on fasting and abstinence, such as the observance of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, is tempered with this understanding. These practices are not about imposing great sacrifices but fostering awareness and self-discipline. Similarly, abstaining from meat on Fridays reminds us of our capacity for self-control amidst a wealth of culinary options.

I urge you to embrace the practice of sacrifice, starting with the small, everyday renunciations that open up more time for prayer, service, and meaningful connections with our loved ones. With careful consideration guided by trusted advisors and accountability partners, let us venture further into sacrificial living, understanding it as a humble participation in the profound cost borne by Jesus.

Join us this Monday, February 26th, at 7 pm in the Church for the Relics of Christ’s Passion Tour. This event offers a unique opportunity for introspection as we pray through Jesus’ passion and suffering alongside relics. RSVP at OLPHParish.org/reg-hub to help us plan and ensure the best experience for all.