“Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
“If, however, your heart turns away and you do not obey, but are led astray and bow down to other gods and serve them, I tell you today that you will certainly perish” (Deuteronomy 30:17-18).
“Then he said to all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23).
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that the Lord alone is our hope. We can sometimes place our hope in other people, places, and things, which can lead us further away from Jesus. At our worst, we might even seek hope, renewal, and relief in alcohol, drugs, or some other unhealthy addiction, which only leads to unhappiness and enslavement. Yet, even in the midst of life’s difficulties, today’s readings remind us that we can choose to place our steadfast hope in the Lord instead.
Reflection Questions
- Are you choosing to walk with Jesus in your daily life or to turn your back on Him? Are your actions leading you closer to a drink (or some other unhealthy attachment) or further away from one?
- What do your daily habits reveal about who or what you are placing your hope in?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Responsorial Psalm: 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25
Reflection by Jana I.