Daily Lenten Reflections

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

The readings today give light to the idea that God wants us to freely have a relationship with Him. Moses says to the people: “Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you.” In pursuing a meaningful relationship with the Lord, we enhance our lives in ways that could not be achieved any other way. In choosing to follow His call in our daily lives, we surrender to God’s desires for us.

It is important to note that this choice is not meant to be an easy one. As we see in the Gospel passage, Jesus asks us to deny ourselves and follow Him so that we might save our lives. If we focus only on our worldly desires and goals, we will never find true peace and life in Him. Our own desires are often compelling, but in taking up our daily cross and following Jesus, we bring ourselves closer to God’s ultimate desire for us. We were not designed for this life alone, thus by heeding His call we move closer to eternal life with Him.

Prayer

Lord, grant us the strength to pick up our crosses and follow You daily. Help us to hear Your voice, and to trust in Your desires for us. Thank You for giving us the guidance to live meaningful lives in which we can better ourselves for Your glory. Amen.

Theresa Hoar ‘25

Scripture

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”