Thursday, February
14, 2002
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
1st Reading:
Dt 30:15-20
Gospel: Lk 9:22-25
Jesus
said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected
by the elders and chief priests and teachers of the Law, and put to death.
Then after three days he will be raised to life."
Jesus also said to all the people, "If you wish be a follower of
mine, deny yourself and take up your cross each day, and follow me. For
if you choose to save your life, you will lose it, and if you lose your
life for my sake, you will save it. What does it profit you to gain the
whole world while you destroy or damage yourself?
Commentary
Lent invites us to come home. Today's first reading opens a door, the
door of listening, not just with the ears, but with the heart. A good
theme for Valentine's day! "I have set before you life or death,
blessing or curse. Choose life."
The heart is where choices are born and made. Lent is a school of the
heart, a time to learn to make the choices Jesus made. Choose life? But
in today's gospel Jesus says, "I'm going to be rejected and put to
death… and if you want to follow me get ready to lose your life too!"
If you listen only with the ears, you won't understand this. Nelson Mandela,
Maximilian Kolbe, Oscar Romero, Ninoy Aquino, Rhoel Gallardo, remember
any man or woman you know who sacrificed life or freedom, inspired by
love.
Did they choose death? Or life? Did they lose their lives? Or did they
save them?