"Would you live for me?"

I keep seeing a post circulating around social media. Something about "Yes, you might die for your children, but would you live for them?" The post then goes on to talk about the need for parents to take care of their own mental, spiritual, and physical health so that they can truly LIVE for their children, instead of merely surviving.

Today's Mass readings for the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions (Read their story here!) made me think of Jesus asking each of us, " Yes, you might say you'll die for me, but would you live for me? "

“You might say you'd be martyred for your faith, but would you die to your desire to daydream during Mass and instead focus on me?”

“You might say you'd accept persecution, but would you be kind to everyone you meet, no matter their religion or beliefs?”

“Would you die to yourself and follow my teachings instead of your own thoughts and feelings?”

“You might oppose immorality, but would you counter it with love instead of hatred?”

“You might be made fun of for wearing a t-shirt with a Bible verse on it, but would you live out the message of the verse on your shirt?”

“Would you live like you know you are loved?”

“Would you live like you're a member of my body, the Church?”

“Would you live like a son or daughter who is unafraid, knowing their Father will take care of them no matter what?”

“Yes, you might die for me, but would you live for me?”

Yes, we must pick up our crosses. Yes, we must make sacrifices. But, friend, you are the child of a King! You were not created for death- you were created for life! Abundant life! God did not create us for death. We were created to live! Created to love!

The martyrs did not die because they wanted to die. They died because they knew that by sacrificing their lives for Christ, they would be brought to the fullness of life in Heaven with Him. Christ, Himself, is Life. Choosing to live for Him means choosing Him. Choosing His will. Choosing the Good.

Not all of us will be called to martyrdom. But Christ is asking you the same question: “Yes, you might say you would die for me, but will you choose to live?”

How will you answer?