Today’s readings speaks of choice. Moses leaves before us the choice of life and death and the Lord Jesus presents the choice of taking up our cross and following him or losing our life. Looking back at life, I see clearly where Jesus placed this same choice before me. Thirteen years ago I met the Lord in one of my deepest crisis moments where by his amazing grace I chose life and followed him. The strength to continue to carry the cross daily and keep choosing life came with the deep desire and love for the Word, Holy Mass and sitting at his feet before the Blessed Sacrament. In every cross that has come my way, in his goodness and mercy the grace is given to keep choosing life. Each time I choose life over death in the most trying situations, it is not to save only my own soul but others too. Let us reflect on how Jesus chose to deny his glory in heaven to become a mere human being, and how he chose to die on the cross for our sins to give us all the strength to carry our cross and enter eternal life one day.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the strength to endure the pain that will bring me eternal joy one day. Amen.