Daily Readings - Thu Mar 06 2025
Deuteronomy
15"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.16If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.17But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,18I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.19I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,20loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Luke
22saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
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.