Our scripture readings, this second day of Lent, are all about choice. Choice to walk in the ways of God can bring us life, choice to walk in the ways of the world can take life from us.
In the reading from Deuteronomy, Moses stands on the threshold of the promised Land, and urges the Israelites to choose life, for their sake and the sake of their descendants. What does life consist of? Loving the Lord, walking in his ways, heading his commandments. Will you choose life or will you choose death?The Psalm, too, this morning speaks of a choice: will you follow the counsel of the wicked or the law of the Lord? For those who delight in God’s law will be like a tree planted beside running water which will always bear fruit.
Jesus too starkly presents a choice, a choice we must make every day this Lent: will you take up the cross or not? It seems to the world that the cross means death, but paradoxically, Jesus teaches, the cross is the means to life. Loving the Lord, walking in his ways, headings his commandments means taking up the cross.
To the world, love means fuzzy feelings, romantic walks on beaches. Jesus teaches a deeper love, a greater love, love of God means the willingness to make sacrifices for God, to suffer for God.
We choose life, we choose love this Lent by engaging in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We engage in these practices not just because we are gluttons for punishment, but out of love; love was the reason Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, love was the reason Jesus endured the sufferings of his passion.
It is possible to gain the whole world, but lose one’s soul; so we willing detach ourselves from the things of the world, in order to find our souls, to find God, and to deepen our love for Him.
The cross is the path of life, it is the Royal Road to the Kingdom of God and we are invited at the beginning of Lent to share the cross more deeply that the Lord may bring us to new life.
Life or death, blessing or curse, faith or fear, God or the world. Choose wisely. For the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That through the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the Church may experience profound renewal.
For Pope Francis’ intentions for the month of March: that persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole Church.
For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter: that they will be profoundly blessed in their preparation for full initiation into the Body of Christ.
For all those tempted to commit the sin of abortion, that they may choose life.
That all people may know the closeness of God and the help of God’s grace as they bear the sufferings and heavy crosses of their lives.
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