Thursday after Ash Wednesday
On initial glance, Moses’ message may seem harsh and perhaps unforgiving: “I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.” This is definitely an intimidating ultimatum. But in actuality, as he continues his speech, he offers a simple path for life and prosperity. We need to love the Lord, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. As we prepare for our Lenten observances, it is important to keep these three points in mind. “Choose life,” Moses tells us, and we will take part in the feast of Eternal Life. By choosing Jesus Christ over the temptations of sin and evil, we thereby choose life.
But what exactly does it mean to walk in Jesus’ way? Luke’s Gospel visualizes Moses’ plea. We are called to take up our cross and follow Christ. This is especially important to remember not only during this Lenten season, but also in today’s world. We have witnessed much suffering over the past year due to the coronavirus. Many of us may have lost a loved one or know someone who has lost a loved one. Today, and every day, we need to bear our crosses and follow Jesus. Listen to your neighbor, have patience with one another, extend a helping hand. Do what makes you uncomfortable. Only then will we eagerly await the coming of our Lord.
Loving and Merciful God, allow us to bear our crosses and humbly serve one another this Lenten season. May You grant us the courage to follow You on this journey to Eternal Life.
James A. Downs, ’22
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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