Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1: Luke 9:22-25
It was Jesus who said that the purpose of his life was that his friends may have life, “life to the full”. He also said that his friends would carry their cross with him. There is no contradiction between these two statements. It’s all about Life and Death. From the beginning of the Church these two principles have been key to our understanding of the Christian life, namely, only through dying with him can we enjoy the fullness of life.
Fidelity, according to Deuteronomy, is the key to the future of God’s people. Moses says: “By loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing the commandments … you shall live”. Then Moses ends with these words: “Choose life!”
Lent is traditionally a time for self-denial. But denial of self, renunciation of often what is good and holy, is what Lent is all about. If we want to be followers of Jesus, we must be ready for some measure of self-sacrifice. I talk about, we even pray about what change may be needed in my life: what should I give up, or take up, in order to follow Christ more closely? Do I have some misguided attachment holding us back, (to something material, to an attitude, a behaviour?) or some habit that is not for my good? I truly believe that self-sacrifice and renunciation are more difficult for us to practice today because our modern culture encourages us to indulge all our desires, to do whatever we want to do.
There is purpose and meaning in voluntary renunciation. Giving up something for Lent must always be in view of giving, of giving life to another, of living life more fully and, as Jesus says in the Gospel, losing our life for his sake to save it. The Book of Deuteronomy puts it best: “Choose life,” We pray this Lent: may God’s grace guide us to continue choosing life.