Bread for the Lenten Journey

Deut. 30:15-20, Lk 9:22-25. Lenten journey has its specific footprints, as the Word of God sets the pace and tone for this journey. This spiritual journey is full of choices and decisions guided by the light of the Word of God. The options that today's first reading presents before us is important at the start of this spiritual journey. Surrounded by an array of choices, we are given an opportunity to pause for a moment and see life through the lens of the Gospel. There is life or death in every choice, there is good or evil in every decision. If we can listen to our heart and attend to the voice of God we inherit a blessing. In listening to His voice we come to know a loving God who wants us to be alive and happy. Jesus, in today's Gospel, continues to guide the decisions that we need to take in His painful and tough proposals. Yet, that is the way to walk to towards the fulness of life.

In order to follow Him, Jesus asks us to take up our Cross and deny ourselves of some comfort. This journey involves keeping aside selfish desires, accepting discomforts and insecurities and the risk of death. A disciple would walk joyfully this path knowing that life on earth is not merely to please ourselves but to be spent in loving service of God and people. If we want to be followers of Jesus we must be ready for this measure of self-sacrifice. Lent is traditionally a time for self-denial. Let us reflect on what we need to change in our lives, what we should give up or take up in order to follow Christ more closely. We are challenged to give up misguided attachment holding us back, or some habit that is not for our good. Deuteronomy (30:15-20) puts it positively, “Choose life,” and Jesus says that if we lose our life for His sake we will save it.

May the grace of the Lord guide us to keep on choosing life as we mortify ourselves! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!