By George Bernard Shaw

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

Source: Man and Superman

I am not sure that Mr. Shaw and I see eye to eye on some things, but the highlighted section above really resonates with me. I certainly struggle with living my life in such a way as I am often times way to selfish, but just imagine a world where we all live as if our lives belonged to the whole and where we only do things that are of benefit to the rest. Now, that would be a cool place to live. I'm reminded of the antiphon in one of today's readings.....

The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Grace and peace.