sacrifice. commitment. virtue.

We all know what it's like to give up something we value, something we think is important, whether for a greater good, or as a compromise - in other words, we've all made some sacrifices in our lives. And, odds are, we've seen many around us make sacrifices, too, whether for us, or for others. As Christians, we are familiar with the sacrifice of Christ, offering his life for us.

We who are Catholic are also familiar with the sacrifices made by many saints throughout the history of Christianity - saints who understood the meaning of sacrifice in the deepest sense - giving up what most of us would consider a "normal" life, leaving behind things most of us take for granted, and some even offering their lives because of their deep belief in, and love of, Jesus Christ. 

The apostles and other martyrs of the early Church - who willingly sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the faith. Martyrs and other saints throughout history who sacrificed their lives (whether in actual martyrdom, or through other incredible acts of sacrifice) because of their commitment to living lives of heroic virtue - saints like St. Maria Goretti, who is remembered today (July 6) - or like St. Francis of Assisi, who lived a life of incredible asceticism in his response to Christ's call to "rebuild my church" - or like St. Maximilian Kolbe, who offered himself in place of another man in the Auschwitz concentration camp. 

Sacrifice. Commitment. Virtue. Scary things, aren't they? But can't they change the world? 

They're not "normal" things by any stretch of the imagination in today's world. Nor are they easy. But ultimately, the best things in life are often not easy. Why are we so afraid to do things the rest of the world might consider strange - and why are we so afraid to do things that aren't easy? The stakes may seem high - having to change the way we live or how we act, having to sacrifice some things, or make new commitments - but are the stakes really that high, when we consider what's at stake? 

+Peace and good.