LOVE REQUIRES SACRIFICE!

Jennifer Tilghman

Palm Sunday

Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?”  All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” (Mt.. 27:22)

Take a moment and imagine the scene. A crowd has gathered. Voices are raised. Tension fills the air. The crowd had requested that Pilate release Barabbas, so he asked, “What should I do with Jesus?”  Was Pilate expecting the answer they shouted back at him? It was shocking! “Let him be crucified.”

What was Jesus, in His humanity, feeling in that moment?  Maybe fear, deep distress, and sorrow, and at the same time, maybe compassion and love, for the crowd?  He made the ultimate sacrifice when he surrendered Himself to be crucified on the cross for all our sins.  It was also the ultimate act of love, love for each one of us.

Is there a connection between sacrifice and love?  There is no love without sacrifice.  To sacrifice is to offer something up, for the sake of love.  It is an act of surrendering to the needs of others, before our own, not out of obligation, but out of care and compassion.  When caring for my parents, if either had to spend time in hospitals, my siblings and I took turns sleeping in chairs to stay with them.  It was uncomfortable, yes, but we had to be sure they received the best care and never felt alone.

Sacrifice is also transformational.  When we sacrifice with intention, we gain clarity, find purpose, and experience growth.  It can feel uncomfortable.  However, it is the bridge from who we are to who we are becoming. I saw tremendous growth in my nephew after spending many months helping his mother care for his dad, who was fighting cancer.  How does Jesus’ sacrifice invite us to live differently?

As I began preparing for this meditation, one of our great leaders, Xavier University’s President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis, went home to the Lord.  He was the first lay president and one of the longest-serving presidents in U.S. higher education history, serving 47 years. 

Dr. Francis understood sacrifice and love.  He grew up in Lafayette, LA, and this community instilled in him great humility, curiosity, and a desire to understand people.  In the WYES-TV documentary titled “Dr. Norman C Francis: A Legacy of Leadership,” it is cited that he graduated as valedictorian from his high school and earned a work scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans. He graduated from Loyola, earning his Law Degree with honors.  Xavier University offered him the role of “Dean of Men,” and, some years later, he became the President of the University.

The sacrifices Dr. Francis offered were selfless and nothing more than love in action.  He blended academics with his faith, strengthening Xavier’s Catholic and historically Black identity while expanding its national presence in the sciences and health professions.  He deeply cared for his students, and during his tenure as president, he invested in a pre-med program.  Today, the University leads the nation in the number of Black students who go on to complete medical school.

Dr. Francis was a strong leader even beyond the walls of Xavier University.  He hosted Pope John Paul II at Xavier University, was an advisor to eight U.S. Presidents, was called upon to lead recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  In 2019, he was awarded the Laetare Medal (the most prestigious award given to American Catholics by the University of Notre Dame). 

Dr. Francis’ life shows how he deeply loved and gave of himself to others. And of course, for him to give so much of himself to others, he was supported by a loving family who also made sacrifices for him.  Is there something in your life today that is calling you to surrender control?  How can you be more intentional in your sacrifice this Holy Week? The cross reminds us that love requires sacrifice. 

Author: Jennifer D. Tilghman Euchairst Minister, member of Our Lady Perpetual Help