Choices matter in life. Some are difficult and others are simple. Those hard decisions, especially on matters of faith, carry with themselves a lot of blessings, rewards, and eternal peace.
God in the scripture is presented on many occasions as a father who not only awaits the sinner to return but also provides the means for return. The mercy and love of God seek out the lost, doubtful and despaired and leads them back to Him. God does not want to lose anyone. The readings today relate on how we walk with God. They provide a Christian roadmap that transcends beyond the physical world to eternity.
Choosing What is Good
In the first readings Moses reminds the people of Israel that the spiritual and life choices they make will affect their relationship with God. He tells them they have a choice between life and prosperity, death and doom, good and evil, curse and blessing. All these are based on one thing: Commandments of God. Moses wants people to understand God’s statutes as lead towards life, prosperity, and blessing. They are not to be perceived as dry imposing realities but freely given and followed through human choice.
God always respects human freedom. However, he does not hide himself but portrays himself as near, accessible and gracious to all who want Him. Coined within human freedom comes temptations of wrong choices, the need to cut off from God or the need to worship idols. Understanding this Moses warns the people if you serve idols, then you will be lost and be far away from your God and as written Jeremiah 22:5 disobeying God will make the house of Israel desolate. At this time the people of Israel are almost entering the land of Canaan, and so Moses warns them not fall into false gratification after getting new land and forget God. Also, he tells us to follow God, is a personal intrinsic choice. Like the Israelites, we will always make choices in life when it comes to our faith.
Choosing Endurance and Sacrifice
Jesus in the Gospel further exposes this choice as one of sacrifice, self-mortification and faithful endurance. It is the life of carrying our crosses daily. These are crosses we carry when we avoid sin. These are crosses we carry when we cut off wrong behaviors in life, those we are enjoying in a worldly manner. These are the crosses we carry when a father sacrifices time spent with his family. When the couples forgive one another without counting the cost. The endurance of finding joy in suffering is important. The moments I refuse to reiterate and forgive.
Our Lenten Burdens
These are the actions of lent. When we forgo our gratifications for the sake of God. I donate to the poor not because I have much but because I see God in them. The crosses we carry by taking care of elderly parents with love even when the mind is not stable. Highest of all is the struggle against evil; the devil is always cunning and denying him is abiding by God’s command and carrying our crosses.
Remember the cross of Jesus means new life is given, when we carry our crosses, we are to give life to others. In this lent season, provide joy to others, forgive than to revenge, pray than to judge, and serve than to be served. May the grace of Lord sustain us that we may always make choices of life, blessing, prosperity guided by Cross of Jesus.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Joachim's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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