March 6th

By: Nicole Gabra

OPENING PRAYER

As you begin, take a moment to become aware of God’s presence in your midst. Slowly breathe in and out.

READING

First Reading : Deuteronomy 30:15-20

15 ‘Look, today I am offering you life and prosperity, death and disaster. 16 If you obey the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I am laying down for you today, if you love Yahweh your God and follow his ways, if you keep his commandments, his laws and his customs, you will live and grow numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the country which you are about to enter and make your own.

17 But if your heart turns away, if you refuse to listen, if you let yourself be drawn into worshiping other gods and serving them,8 I tell you today, you will most certainly perish; you will not live for long in the country which you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

19 Today, I call heaven and earth to witness against you: I am offering you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live,20 in the love of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice, holding fast to him; for in this your life consists, and on this depends the length of time that you stay in the country which Yahweh swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that he would give them.’

REFLECTION

In light of the recent passing of a family member, I’ve been particularly grateful for the gift of eternal life. Today’s first reading reminds us that God not only promises life eternal, but life today. Yes, living fully (joyfully, gracefully, peacefully…) is one of the perks of Christianity;  it’s part of what makes the Good News wonderful and worth sharing. The commandments we are asked to keep are not meant to drag us down, but to help us choose attitudes, habits, and make decisions that will help us live well today, and eternally.

MEDITATION

“… I am offering you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, … (Deuteronomy 30: 19)”.

Take a moment to reflect on the following three questions:

  • What choices have I made in the past week that have lead to growth, freedom, hope, reconciliation, etc. for myself or others?
  • In what ways have I chosen “death” or “curse” by I letting myself be drawn to habits, attitudes, thoughts, or actions that are contrary to love?
  • Am I sufficiently convinced of the benefits of following God’s ways to want to encourage others to do the same?

CLOSING PRAYER

We pray…

  • For self-discipline to do what is right, even when difficult;
  • That the way we live may encourage others to make life-giving choices;
  • For those who have turned their hearts away from God.  May we always remember that it is never too late to experience forgiveness, and to choose life over death.

AMEN

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