Anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it

Earlier this week, I gave the homily at our parish boys’ school graduation. Many of these boys may not get the secondary school of choice, based on the results of a National exam. And annually, there are many who come away very disappointed, with some being traumatized.

Therefore I was mindful that having this opportunity to speak to the boys and their parents, I could try to reduce the impact of possible disappointment. I therefore chose to say that everyone is called to be successful in the eyes of God. Successful in the sense of fulfilling God’s vocation for their life. That God gives each of us talents that are ideal for our vocation.

However, these gifts do not necessarily make us successful in the eyes of the World. I went on to quote the passage from this week’s Gospel Luke 9: 18-24 ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it.’

I urged them to understand that God loves them and has a plan for their life, a plan of success in their God given vocation. That often, what seems like disappointment may be part of a greater plan for their lives. I reminded them of the passage - We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28

I went on to tell them of a nun, a member of the Missionaries of the Poor, who related her life story to me. As a young girl, she saw Mother Theresa enter her home village. She was drawn to the work she was doing and asked her parents to join them. They adamantly refused saying that she should choose a better life for herself and her family.

Turning an adult, she left her family and joined the nuns. Now years later she has risen in the Order and travels the world having worked in Rome, Africa, North and South America. Her siblings who chose to ‘save their life’ still live in their village and neighbouring towns. She had lost her life for the sake of Jesus and saved it.

In closing, I encouraged the boys and their parents to remember that the measure of a life well lived is not necessarily found in grades, schools, or status, but in faithfulness to God's call. I reminded them that while the world may define success by achievement and recognition, God looks at the heart and the courage to say “yes” to His invitation.

Even when the path is uncertain or painful, God is at work — shaping us, guiding us, and leading us to a deeper purpose. My prayer is that each boy leaves not only with memories of graduation but with the seeds of hope sown deeply — a hope rooted in God’s unshakable love and the promise that He indeed works all things for good for those who love Him.

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