Generally, we dream about living a life in which all that we want, wealth, security, and relationships come free without any obstacles and conflict, a life without sacrifice. While it may sound idyllic, it is a life of emptiness, devoid of any meaning and worth. I remember a Jack Nicholson movie, As Good As It Gets, in which Nicholson plays a man who is very successful, pretty much having everything he needs, but finds his life empty. The man suffers from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), has a general dislike for humanity in general (misanthropy) which causes him to behave in an intolerable manner toward others. The only one who tolerates his behavior is a waitress whom he comes to like very much. He wonders if his life is “as good as it gets,” and wanting to develop a relationship with the waitress finds that it comes at a cost. He must sacrifice the way he has lived in order to date her.
Jesus teaches us that to find true fulfillment in life, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves. “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” Jesus tells us that we cannot buy happiness and fulfillment. The world can only offer us an illusion of happiness and fulfillment, but like Nicholson’s character in the film, we will always wonder if this is “as good as it gets.” Prior to his arrest in the garden, Jesus teaches his disciples that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. He then commands them, “Love one another as I have loved you.” So that his apostles and all humanity may find true happiness and fulfillment, Jesus then goes forth to sacrifice his life for us on the cross. Today, Jesus challenges us to “love one another as I have love you,” by sacrificing ourselves for others.
