"This is surely what we read in the Proverbs of Solomon: If you sit down to eat at the table of a ruler, observe carefully what is set before you; then stretch out your hand, knowing that you must provide the same kind of meal yourself. What is this ruler's table if not the one at which we receive the body and blood of him who laid down his life for us? What does it mean to sit at this table if not to approach it with humility? What does it mean to observe carefully what is set before you if not to meditate devoutly on so great a gift? What does it mean to stretch out one's hand, knowing that one must provide the same kind of oneself, if not what I have just said: as Christ laid down his life for us, so we in our turn ought to lay down our lives for our brothers?" St. Augustine, from a treatise on John
Holy Week is a priceless opportunity to "meditate devoutly on so great a gift." Truly, the whole season of Lent is a time for such contemplation, and praying our Way of the Cross service throughout the season has been a wonderful experience of connecting with Christ's love in a deeper, transforming way.
So how am I now to lay down my life? I doubt I'm being called to martyrdom, though if I'm ever faced with such an opportunity I pray that Christ will be strong enough in me for the challenge. But on a daily basis, I'm certainly called to put my loved ones' needs (and those of other brothers and sisters in Christ) ahead of my own wishes. Sometimes I'm pretty good at that. But often I miss these chances, and more often fail to recognize Christ in the midst of them.
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