How can I, on this Thursday after Ash Wednesday—when the Gospel asks, “What profit is there❓”—remain faithful to Laudato si’s warning against quick and easy profit that neglects preservation, heed the Synod’s caution about exploiting creation for personal gain, yet still find my own “profit” in the joy of daffodils emerging at The Glenn and in praying for a miracle for Daniel through the intercession of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen❓
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself❓”
Lent Day 2 Lectio Divina on the word “profit“
The desire for profit often tempts me to seek immediate rewards, but I must remind myself that true gain is found in patience, care, and sacrifice. At The Glenn, I see the first daffodils, planted by my dad years ago, pushing through the soil, a small yet profound profit of nature’s cycle—a return on the quiet investment of seasons past.
I reflect on how Pain to Profit speaks to turning struggles into success, just as I seek to find meaning and growth through faith rather than material gain. True profit isn’t just about wealth—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and trusting that even suffering can lead to something greater in God’s plan.
In a world driven by financial profit, I struggle with the idea that some measure success only in wealth, disregarding the priceless profit of relationships, faith, and stewardship of creation. The Laudato si’ Action Platform warns against short-sighted profit that comes at the cost of our planet, a reminder that I must weigh what I truly value in my daily choices.
belief that all of creation, and this includes humans themselves, can be exploited at will for
profit“
The Synod speaks of how humanity has too often exploited creation and one another for personal profit, forgetting that we are entrusted with the care of all life. This calls me to reflect on my own actions—do I seek profit in ways that uplift others, or do I unconsciously contribute to harm❓
I see The Profit (2001) as a reflection of how the pursuit of success can expose deeper moral and ethical struggles, much like the Gospel’s warning about the cost of gaining the world at the expense of one’s soul. It challenges me to consider whether my own efforts are driven by true purpose and faith or just personal gain.
As I pray for a miracle for Daniel through the intercession of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, I realize that the greatest profit is not in what I gain materially but in the deepening of faith, hope, and trust in God’s plan. In the end, I must ask myself:
Caring for ecosystems demands far-sightedness, since no one looking for quick and easy profit is truly interested in their preservation.
FROM PARAGRAPH 36 OF THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME