Greetings on this the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Dt 30:15-20; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 9:22-25
Note: Choose life in it’s innocent form is well used by a life affirming peoples. In its improper use it is a weapon against women. For Lent, let us look at its compunction intention.
Deuteronomy
- Moses instructs the people to live by the law of the Lord: commandments, statutes and decrees.
- All will benefit from this obedience.
- The “You” he is referring to is both the individual “you” and the corporate “you” as well as your descendants.
Responsorial
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
Gospel
Jesus predicts his own total giving:
The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.
Then he said to all:
Deny yourself.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
The “you” Jesus refers to is each individual (“the one”).
Choosing life is to not keep for yourself all earthly gain.
Especially in light of those in need.
Pregnant women are in need.
True Almsgiving is to get over yourself and give over to others.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 