Expect Nothing in Return

“Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you, and lend expecting nothing back.” // Luke 6:27-38*

For years I thought I had sacrificial love figured out. From summers of mission work to life as a military wife and mom, I could “do” sacrifice. I shared my life with babies in pregnancy and nursing. I have dropped plans to bring much-needed items to my husband’s work or to purchase last-minute school supplies. I have changed plans, given up sleep, and even put my own desires on hold.

Yet I look back, wondering how many times I woke up begrudgingly. Too often have I driven with a bad attitude because someone made us late or grumbled about those last-minute errands. There’s also that bad habit of snapping at my kids’ sass with my own snark, which pits us against each other rather than strengthens our bonds.

Snark and bitterness leave no room for love to flourish or be poured out through sacrifice. They are ugly fruits, not the fruits of a heart growing in the kind of love Jesus invites us to live. I still have a long way to go in making a true gift of self as the Lord desires.

Today is the feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a noblewoman who was married at a young age, yet used her position in society to serve the poor. Biographies reveal that she had a happy marriage, loved her husband and children, and was supported by her husband in her generosity. I’m inspired by her life and look to her for her intercession and example of loving sacrifice.

I imagine we all have a bit to learn about sacrificial love, especially the kind that expects nothing in return. Jesus knows this and gave us His life and death as our ultimate example to live as He’s called us to in today’s Gospel.

Sister, pray with me today for sacrificial love to grow in our hearts. Through the intercession of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, we ask for our hearts to be united to Christ’s in radical selfless love, so that we will love and serve our friends and enemies alike, expecting nothing in return.

* Mass readings for Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Expect nothing in return. // Gina FenstererClick to tweet

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