Daily Devotion

“Minnie attempted to lead the students to fulfill the spirit of Ginling's motto, "abundant life," by making them walk out of the "ivory tower" to see and understand the suffering of the poor and by encouraging them to devote their lives for the betterment of the society.”

Hua-ling Hu · Hua-ling Hu, American Goddess at the Rape of Nanking: The Courage of Minnie Vautrin (2000)

Scripture

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Reflection

The "abundant life" promised by Christ is neither a greenhouse to escape the storms of life, nor a mere accumulation of material possessions. As Minnie Vautrin demonstrated amidst the smoke of war, true abundance lies in daring to step out of one's comfort zone and ivory tower in dark times, and to connect one's life closely with the fate of those who suffer. Only when we extend love to the humblest of people does the capacity of life truly expand. Reflecting on the present, have we, too, closed the door to serving others out of fear or indifference?