March 3, 2022 Thursday after Ash Wednesday-C

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Psalm 1

Luke 9:22-25

“I set before you life and death…Choose life, then that you and your descendants may live…”  Dt. 30:19

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  Lk. 9:23

Lord, it can seem strange to say that by dying to self I gain eternal life. Yet that is what you call your disciples to do. If I want to follow in your footsteps, I must realize that your footsteps lead to Calvary and the cross. So, what does “dying to self” really mean for me? I guess the ultimate would be giving my life for my faith like the martyrs. I so admire and respect anyone who can die rather than deny their belief in you. I’m not sure I have that courage in me. I think “dying to self” and “taking up my cross” can apply to numerous times each day I can turn to you in prayer. All the times I can accept suffering with patience and offer it to you. I can die to self by serving in a food pantry or visiting a lonely neighbor. I can take up the cross by standing firm in my respect for life. Lord, help me to stack my priorities so I always have time for you. Fill me with your grace so I will not falter when it gets difficult to be a Catholic Christian.  Amen.