On this fifth Sunday of Lent, Jesus speaks about the ultimate sacrifice he will make for our salvation. To help his disciples understand, he relates himself and his coming sacrifice to a grain of wheat that has fallen to the ground.

Jesus says, “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.”

It’s through this Gospel that we may come to understand the faithful purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice—for our salvation. As we journey closer to Easter, this Gospel encourages us at CMMB to consider the sacrifices our work demands. Not only during this season of almsgiving but year-round.

Do any sacrifices come to mind for you? Have you ever questioned a sacrifice you made? Jesus did too…

But it’s also through this Gospel that we learn sacrifice, for the good of others, is part of our journey—just as it was for Jesus.

Jesus says, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

At CMMB, we know that the sacrifices our staff and partners make around the world are great. Right now, our prayers are with our colleagues in Haiti, who are living in unimaginable and worsening circumstances. The sacrifices they make are great, but their impact on the preservation of health for those on the outskirts of care is greater.