Daily Readings - Thu Mar 06 2025
Deuteronomy
15Consider what I have set forth in your sight this day, life and good, or, on the opposite side, death and evil16so that you may love the Lord your God, and walk in his ways, and keep his commandments and ceremonies and judgments, and so that you may live, and he may multiply you and bless you in the land, which you shall enter in order to possess17But if your heart will have been turned aside, so that you are not willing to listen, and, having been deceived by error, you adore strange gods and serve them18then I predict to you this day that you will perish, and you will remain for only a short time in the land, for which you shall cross the Jordan, and which you shall enter in order to possess19I call heaven and earth as witnesses this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your offspring may live20and so that you may love the Lord your God, and obey his voice, and cling to him, (for he is your life and the length of your days) and so that you may live in the land, about which the Lord swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that he would give it to them.
Luke
22saying, "For the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the leaders of the priests and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day rise again.23Then he said to everyone: "If anyone is willing to come after me: let him deny himself, and take up his cross every day, and follow me24For whoever will have saved his life, will lose it. Yet whoever will have lost his life for my sake, will save it25For how does it benefit a man, if he were to gain the whole world, yet lose himself, or cause himself harm
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with profound choices that shape our spiritual journey. The first reading from Deuteronomy finds Moses addressing the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land, offering them a stark choice between life and death. Moses urges them to choose life by adhering to God's commandments, promising blessings and prosperity. This moment is pivotal as the Israelites prepare to embark on a new chapter, with their commitment to God's laws determining their future.
The Gospel from Luke shifts the focus to Jesus, who reveals the impending suffering, death, and resurrection he will endure. He then challenges his disciples to embrace self-denial, take up their cross daily, and follow him. Jesus emphasizes that true life is found in losing oneself for his sake, contrasting earthly gains with spiritual loss. This teaching underscores the essence of discipleship, highlighting the necessity of sacrifice and commitment.
Both readings converge on the theme of choice and commitment. Deuteronomy's choice between life and death mirrors Luke's call to self-denial and cross-bearing. Each invites us to reflect on our daily decisions and priorities. In our lives, this might mean choosing integrity over convenience or patience over impatience. The moral lesson is clear: our choices have spiritual consequences. Let us choose life by following God's will, embracing the sacrifices that lead to true fulfillment. May we find the courage to commit to a life of faith, trusting in God's promise of eternal life.