Sacrificial Love
I have traveled quite often on airplanes. I do not care to do that so much anymore. But I remember the instructions well. If there is a drop in air pressure put the mask on your face before assisting someone else.
As I reflected on that instruction in my heart, I know I would put the mask on my child before I put the mask on my own face. I understand why I should put my mask on my face first, but I know I would put the mask on my child’s face first.
It is like driving in your car. Your child is old enough to sit in the front seat. As you’re driving suddenly someone cuts you off and you slam on the brakes. At the same time you slam on the breaks your right arm flies out to protect your child. They have a seat belt on, but you know you have to protect them.
Or, soldiers are on a patrol. When the enemy throws a grenade, all jump to take cover except one soldier. He jumps on the grenade to protect his comrades.
When we love someone unconditionally, we do not even have to think how we would react in those situations, we just do. This is sacrificial love. We put the common good of the other person before us in all that we do. There are opportunities to offer sacrificial love, not to the degree mentioned above, but we encounter them daily.
Pray for the people you love. That, too, is sacrificial love.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen