Reflection for February 11, 2016

February 11, 2016

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

            “Choose Life.” These words from today’s first reading form the basis of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites before they take possession of the Holy Land. But what does it mean for us to choose life? and how does this relate to our Lenten observance?

            In today’s first reading, Moses equates choosing life with fidelity to God’s law. If the Israelites are faithful in observing the Law of God, then they will enjoy life and prosperity in the Land of Israel. If they are not, they will suffer the death of exile, and be cut off from the land, their promised heritage.  This instruction is very much focused on earthly realities- especially true since the Israelites at the time did not have a concept of heaven or an afterlife. In their view, earthly prosperity was a sign of God’s favor.

            In today’s Gospel, Jesus also instructs his disciples to “choose life”, albeit in a more implicit manner. but this time there are eternal implications. And perhaps most strikingly, Jesus hints that earthly prosperity is not part of the deal- in fact, he tells his disciples that earthly prosperity can be a hindrance to entering the kingdom of heaven! Jesus’ words are clear- “whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”  If yesterday’s readings issued a call to repentance, and gave us a model for our Lenten observance, today’s readings issue a call to action, and remind us that our journey cannot end with mere sorrow for our sins. Jesus calls us to daily conversion- to a daily denial of self wants and interests, in order to take up the cross of discipleship, and faithfully follow in the footsteps of Christ. In this way, we save our life by losing it- we deny ourselves of earthly treasure, power, and prestige, in order that we might store up treasure in heaven

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And this is the key to eternal life. But this does not mean that everyone here must completely divest themselves of all possessions- we have a right to ensure that our basic needs are met, and we would be foolish to deprive ourselves of the resources to do so. Rather, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts that have been entrusted to us, and to use those gifts to serve those in need, and build up treasure in heaven. Pope Francis, especially in this year of Mercy, has spoken extensively about the need to care for the poor- saying that the Year of mercy is not complete unless we are willing to give to the poor. This is also a part of our Lenten observance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and our experience of lent will be richer if we heed Pope Francis’ words - even if all we do is give up one cup of coffee at starbucks a day, and give that money to the poor.

              As we continue this Lenten Journey, Let us ask God for the grace to take up our own cross in order to follow Christ- not allowing the desire for earthly power, wealth and prestige to hinder us, but striving to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, and faithful servants of Christ. In this way, we will be able to “choose life” every single day- not the passing life of this world, but the eternal life that is to come.