Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Readings of the Day

I suppose it’s not exactly what Moses had in mind in today’s reading from Deuteronomy, but especially this year in the midst of the pandemic, every day seems to offer an opportunity to “choose life.” 

Whether it’s wearing a mask, limiting trips to the supermarket, avoiding socializing, or registering to get the vaccine, I am keenly aware of my responsibility to participate in the safeguarding of my own physical well-being and the safety of others. My emotional and mental health, as well as that of my loved ones, also require my attention during these stressful times.  Additionally, while so many others are suffering, not just illness and loss, but also hunger, anxiety and isolation, I give and do what I can to help.  Every day, in these ways, I “choose life.”

What strikes me, both about Moses’s admonition and the culture wars surrounding the pandemic restrictions, is that the underlying concern in both situations is free will.  God gave humanity free will, which comes with risks and responsibilities. In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis says this about free will: "This is what makes for the excitement and drama of human history, in which freedom, growth, salvation and love can blossom…” (79).  On another occasion, speaking to a conference on Catholic Social Teaching, the Holy Father said, “To be able to take risks in helping others is a gift of the freedom received from God the Father and revealed through Jesus Christ (Nov. 22, 2018).

To choose is an active verb.  Choosing life is not a “once and for all” kind of thing.  Choosing must be done constantly!  Moses admonishes us to choose to love the Lord, heed God’s voice and hold fast to God not just today, but tomorrow and throughout our lives.  Making that choice then sets us up for making more choices that put the needs of others, the common good, before our own personal preferences.  It means denying self and taking up the cross daily to follow Jesus.

Today, take a few minutes to ask yourself: “How have I chosen life today?  This past week?  Over this last strange year?  How has the exercise of free will contributed excitement and drama to life?  What is the cross that I take up in following Jesus?”

Having recently retired from CCUSA, Jean Beil now serves as the Regional Coordinator for Caritas North America.

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