Almighty ever-living God,
constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us,
that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism
may, under your protective care, bear much fruit
and come to the joys of life eternal. (Roman Missal)

            People who are trying to sell something will try all kinds of promotions in order to get other people to buy their products.  And who doesn’t appreciate a great deal, like a deep discount or getting something free along with a purchase? However, there is one deal with which I have some problems, and that is one where people will promise to donate money to something like disaster relief or research into the cure for a disease--just as long as others buy their products.  I always want to ask those people, “If you care so much, why don’t you just make a donation, regardless of how many products you sell?”

            It’s rare for people to do something for others without trying to get something in return. They might be looking for money, or they might be looking for something immaterial, like fame, popularity, or recognition. They might do something good just to puff up their own egos.  And yet true selflessness, this rare willingness to do something for others without thought of personal gain is exactly what Jesus exhibited in his life—and what he expects all of us to exhibit in our lives.  This is what Jesus means when he says, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

            Whether we are donating money to feed starving children on the other side of the world, checking in on an elderly neighbor down the street,  looking after the needs of our own families, or volunteering here at the parish, we should do it with the same selfless love of Christ.