Choice between life and prosperity, death and doom

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : Thursday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 9:22-25*

*FIRST READING - Dt 30:15-20*

*Choice between life and prosperity, death and doom*

*1) Lent is a special time in our life for Choice*

Lent starts with a wonderful choice. 

A choice between good and evil 

A choice between new life and old life 

A choice between conversion and holding on to the past 

A choice between creativity in life and passivity

A choice between more prayer and no prayer 

A choice between fasting and easy way of life 

A choice between alms giving and selfishness.

So let begins with lots of choices, with a special purpose 

*2) Choice between Life and Death*

The first reading from the book of Deuteronomy speaks about the life and prosperity on the one side and death and doom on the other side.

This choice is given placed by God, before us. We have the freedom to choose any one of the above 

Since both these things are very much applicable to our life, we need to think about the same 

*3)  The choice of Life and prosperity*

This is one of the choices placed by God before us. 

This speaks more about the spiritual life and eternal life and not so much of earthly life 

If we choose this as our option the following things may happen in our life 

We may attain eternal life 

We may have better God experience in our life 

We may be spiritually motivated to do lots of things 

It may change our out look towards others 

It may foster better relationship and authenticity of life 

*4) Various ways which guide us in Choosing the life and prosperity*

Desire and right  motivation in life 

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving

Mediation on the Passion death and resurrection of Jesus 

Reading of the scripture and personal prayer life 

Service to the poor and needy 

Celebration of the sacraments 

All these above mentioned things ultimately help us in choosing life and prosperity

*5) The Choice of death and doom*

Usually people don't choose these things 

But the way which some people live, makes them automatically fall into the category of doom and death

The following things will result is choosing the death than life 

Selfishness and arrogance

Revenge and not ready to forgive others 

Jealousy and gossip

Hatred and anger 

So all these evil forces in ones life makes him to choose death and doom rather than life prosperity. 

*6) Lent is a time to choose life and not death*

Lent gives a ample opportunities to choose life and avoid doom and death.

All the spiritual exercises give us an opportunity to choose life and avoid death 

Its a time to choose some needy people and yo reach out them. This will help us to build life and avoid death and doom 

Since Lent gives us a special type of Grace, it makes us choose life. 

*What is my choice?*

Is it life with its prosperity? 

Is it *life* with its richness  or beauty 

Or 

Is it doom and death? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*