Thursday after Ash Wednesday

The readings of this day invite us to choose life. In the first reading (Dt 30:15-20), Moses clearly presents the people with two paths: one of life and blessing, and the other of death and misfortune. Our free response to God’s invitation is crucial: What do we choose with our daily attitudes?

The Gospel (Lk 9:22-25) completes this invitation, showing us that following Christ requires us to take up our daily cross and deny our selfishness. It involves a continual giving of ourselves that sets us free to love better. Choosing life, according to the Gospel, is not just “being alive,” but living fully, in communion with God and others, even when it involves sacrifice.

During this Lenten season, God calls you to renew your choice for Him. Opening your heart, listening to His Word, and living it out concretely each day is the best way to choose life and blessing. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to be faithful and to take up our cross with hope, confident that, united to Him, we will always have the strength we need to carry on.