Thursday after Ash Wednesday year A
Theme: The choices we make
The theme for our reflection today, reminds us of the fact that we must be mindful of the choices we make in our daily lives. This admonition from the 1st reading is timely, especially as we just begin the Lenten season for this liturgical year. Moses places before the people life and death, so to speak and it is left to the people to make their own choice. Those who want to embrace life, are those who are willing to keep the commandments of God. The season of lent is a good time for us to re-evaluate our loyalty to God.
Dearly beloved in Christ, how well have you been faithful and loyal to God in the practice of your faith? Our sincere evaluation of ourselves will go a long way towards helping us to make an informed choice, that will make us a better person going forward. Let us avail of ourselves this wonderful season of Gods grace, an opportunity to mend our lives and become true ambassadors for Christ. This is a season of God’s grace and a call to repentance. A very important thing to note during this season of lent is the fact that, we have to let go of our excesses and give God a chance in our lives.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all encouraged during this season of lent to embrace the three pillars of lent, they will contribute towards making our Lenten season a wonderful one, if we practice them well. The three pillars are, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The more we are able to practice them in our daily lives, the better persons we will become. The season of lent calls us to a selfless life and a life of sacrifice. To embrace this way of life, is to choose the path that Jesus has prepared for you and I his followers.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus gives his followers a glimpse of what awaits him in the future. It is an assertion that should also prepare all those who are followers of Christ. He presents to us the challenges and difficulties that awaits us because of the choice we have made for Christ. However, it is a source of great strength and hope to all those who believe in God, because Jesus has already prepared us for it and made it clear that our sacrifices will not be in vain. So, as we try to mortify ourselves during this season of lent, let us trust in God and remain focused. Just know that at the beginning it may be difficult, but if you remain steadfast, you will come out victorious at the end.
May the grace of God continue to strengthen our resolve during this season of grace, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.