Daily Readings - Thu Mar 06 2025
Deuteronomy
15See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;16In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.17But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;18I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.19I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:20That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Luke
22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
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.