Best offer of the Lent : Life and prosperity, death and doom

Gospel Thoughts*

*Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:22-25*

*First Reading - Dt 30:15-20*

*Best offer of the Lent : Life and prosperity, death and doom*

*1) God's Great offer to the mankind*

In the first reading of today from the book of Deuteronomy shows us the best offer of God to us 

Life and prosperity or death and doom 

Here nothing is forced upon the human beings. Rather it comes as an offer to us. We are free to choose whatever we wish 

*2) Lent begins with this great offer*

It is wonderful to begin the lent with this offer.

All of us by nature would like to choose life and prosperity than death and doom. 

No one wants to choose death and doom. 

If so what are the ways which are available for us to choose life and prosperity

*3) Various ways to choose life and prosperity*

*The commandments of the Lord* : by following the commandments of the Lord, automatically we choose life and prosperity

*Cross* Taking up ones Cross and following Jesus daily will make us to choose life and prosperity

*Life* : Living or spending ones life for Jesus or for building the kingdom of God will help us to choose life and prosperity

*Martyrdom* Loosing ones life for Jesus will make a person to choose life and prosperity

*4) Lent gives special ways to choose life and prosperity*

*Prayer* : Prayer gives a automatic entry into the aspect of life and prosperity

*Fasting* Fasting has tremendous power to help us in the process of choosing life and prosperity

*Almsgiving* This is an practical way through which we gain life and prosperity

Lenten spirit gives special significance to these above things 

*5) Life and prosperity in my life*

The moment I foster the values like, service, sacrifice, generosity, humility, truth, forgiveness, love, care, concern helping hand, and taking care of one another will help us to choose life and prosperity

*6) The shades of death and doom in my life*

Anger, jealousy, pride, arrogance, selfishness, self righteousness, revenge, greed, desire for wordly things, pleasures of this world will make a person to choose death and doom

*7) What is my Choice?*

As Lenten season gives us the opportunity to choose, what is my choice? 

Nothing works automatically. One needs to work for it 

If so what will I choose? 

Life and prosperity or death and doom? 

Its not enough to have desire, but necessary to work for it

Will I be ready?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*