See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.
But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Choosing to walk with Jesus
I enjoyed numerous years in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras was always a treasured celebration full of traditions, culture, and unity. With it came an overindulgence in all things king cake and fried chicken! I really began to appreciate Lent so much more because of the Mardi Gras experience. The overindulgence in lavish celebrations of purple, green, and gold was starkly contrasted by a simple black ash. What a powerful reminder that even when we fail, or overindulge, the gift of turning back towards Christ is always present.
In the first reading today, we are given the option to follow the commandments or to turn away. Lent gives us an opportunity to turn our hearts back towards God.
As we embark on this season of Lent, how can we repeatedly choose to walk in Jesus’ ways? What actions are we taking this Lent to allow ourselves to turn back towards Christ?
—Sheila Walsh is a math teacher and alum of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, IL.
Almighty and ever living God,
you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent.
May this time be one of outward focus;
seeking you in those we often ignore.
Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.
Give us hearts hungry to serve you
and those who need what we have to give.
Amen
—Author unknown, published on jesuitresource.org
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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