Easter Reflection: Dying to Self
This short reflection was published on my newsletter Monday, March 29th (beginning of Holy Week). To my surprise, it was received well by folks. Hence, I wanted to make this available more broadly by posting it on my blog (on Easter Sunday, the end of Holy Week). Hope you take something away!
This week, we’re talking about religion and God. Say what?! Not a very popular topic amongst my fellow millennials. You might be saying, “WTF, Frankie. I’m subscribed for career and productivity fire. Not religion talk.” Rock with me for a sec. In short, I believe it’s all connected. I’ve found that the deeper my relationship with God goes, the deeper my peace and freedom go. A life of faith—AKA a relationship with God—is directly correlated to a fulfilling career. That's what I've experienced. In this reflection, I'm going to share a 🔥 homily lesson, how that applies to career, and what I consider the purpose of religion.
In last week’s Gospel reading, Jesus compares human life to the life of wheat:
“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.”
This sent me off on some research. I asked, “Dope story, Jesus. But is this stuff actually true about wheat?” HowStuffWorks went on to tell me: “…grain develops in the ripening stage, and the plant begins to wither and die.” He was right! Once again, nature teaching us best.
What does this really this mean though? The Priest used this story to preach on the importance of “dying to self.” Meaning that, we can only blossom and nourish the world, when we die to self. Like wheat.
What is "dying to self?" For me, it is letting go concerns of my self-image — how I’m perceived, what people think of me, etc. Further, it’s committing to a career that does more than just nourish me. It nourishes the world. Jesus hammers this point home: “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” Whether I love or hate anything that is MINE, I get similar outcomes—death or pain. Instead, I can die to self and receive something far greater.
This is why I go to mass week after week. Sure, I don’t receive a life-changing lesson every week. But is every meal you ever have life-changing? No. But it still nourishes you and keeps you going. Further, through the Eucharist—the belief that bread is transformed into the body of God—I receive an encounter with God that no book, course or coach can offer. At the amazing cost of FREE.99! All it costs is time and belief.
In closing, I’m not out here trying to convert you. First, I am simply sharing what inspires me, in hopes that it serves you in some form. What I will say I’m doing is, advocating for building and nourishing a relationship with God. The vehicle you choose for this—religion being one option—is up to you. At its core, I believe the purpose of religion is to bring you closer to God. Or as one of my spiritual mentors once put it, “let God come closer to you.” (Substitute “God” with whatever name works best for you, “Higher Power,” “Universe,” etc.) This has done leaps and bounds for my career and life. There’s incredible FREEDOM in knowing that there is something out there that has your back. I don't have to worry about doing it all. There's something out there far stronger than me taking care of it all.
Do you have a hot-take on religion or spirituality? If so, drop a comment below. It’s by being challenged and listening to opposing views, that we grow in belief and understanding.
Or maybe there’s a moment in life where you said, “damn, God is real af,” due to experiencing some sort of miracle. If that’s the case, please comment as well. Those stories are too good.
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