Will we choose to follow Him?
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The first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, is always difficult. We are required to fast and start our 40 day journey of reflection. Our journey with Jesus begins as we read the Book of Psalms, which brings us hope in the Lord. Hope is the virtue that helps us get through our spiritual desolations each day. The Book of Psalms helps us realize that we belong to God and that faith is not all about rules and laws.
In our first reading today, from the Book of Deuteronomy, we hear God’s reminder to the people of Israel through His servant Moses. As Moses leads the Israelites out of enslavement, God gives Moses His law and commandments. He also makes a Covenant with his people on Mount Sinai. God declares that the path He is leading them on will not be easy, but those who keep their faith in Him will be blessed and receive the fullness of His grace. The Israelites, however, show signs of rebellion and unwillingness to obey God’s decrees. Notwithstanding, God affirms that those who choose to remain faithful and obey His commandments will be rewarded.
In today’s Gospel passage, the Lord Jesus tells His disciples that, unless they take up their crosses and follow Him, there will be no salvation nor a path to eternal life. He states that even He, the Son of Man, will be persecuted and suffer. He foretells His passion, when He chooses willingly to bear burden of our sins, so that by His suffering and death, He may bring us all eternal life.
As Catholics, we are called to follow God wholeheartedly. We are called to devote ourselves, our lives and our actions to the path God has shown us. As we begin this season of Lent, it is time to carefully consider whether to walk with the Lord. We must decide each day whether we will pick up our crosses and follow Jesus. We must be intentional disciples of Jesus. It is always a choice to follow God, so let us follow Him like so many before us.
As stated above, the Book of Psalms is a beacon of hope for all. The first verse of Psalms proclaims to us the first beatitude that will help us find lasting happiness. We learn that happiness comes by choosing to walk on a righteous path. Each line in this verse tells us to avoid the wrong kinds of interpersonal relationships. But what appears simple can be the most difficult.
In these moments, we learn to pray, to ask God for direction, to walk at our side and guide us. No matter what, He is there with us.
In our first reading today, from the Book of Deuteronomy, we hear God’s reminder to the people of Israel through His servant Moses. As Moses leads the Israelites out of enslavement, God gives Moses His law and commandments. He also makes a Covenant with his people on Mount Sinai. God declares that the path He is leading them on will not be easy, but those who keep their faith in Him will be blessed and receive the fullness of His grace. The Israelites, however, show signs of rebellion and unwillingness to obey God’s decrees. Notwithstanding, God affirms that those who choose to remain faithful and obey His commandments will be rewarded.
In today’s Gospel passage, the Lord Jesus tells His disciples that, unless they take up their crosses and follow Him, there will be no salvation nor a path to eternal life. He states that even He, the Son of Man, will be persecuted and suffer. He foretells His passion, when He chooses willingly to bear burden of our sins, so that by His suffering and death, He may bring us all eternal life.
As Catholics, we are called to follow God wholeheartedly. We are called to devote ourselves, our lives and our actions to the path God has shown us. As we begin this season of Lent, it is time to carefully consider whether to walk with the Lord. We must decide each day whether we will pick up our crosses and follow Jesus. We must be intentional disciples of Jesus. It is always a choice to follow God, so let us follow Him like so many before us.
As stated above, the Book of Psalms is a beacon of hope for all. The first verse of Psalms proclaims to us the first beatitude that will help us find lasting happiness. We learn that happiness comes by choosing to walk on a righteous path. Each line in this verse tells us to avoid the wrong kinds of interpersonal relationships. But what appears simple can be the most difficult.
In these moments, we learn to pray, to ask God for direction, to walk at our side and guide us. No matter what, He is there with us.
Author: Jose Aquino, Theology Department Chair
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