Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 6 March ‘25
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Deuteronomy 30:15-20. Psalm 1. Luke 9:22-25
Choosing Life
One Idea: The Path of Life or Death
The readings today present us with a fundamental choice: to follow the path of life or the path of death. Moses, in Deuteronomy, sets before the people a clear decision—obedience to God leads to life and prosperity, while turning away leads to destruction. Psalm 1 reinforces this, comparing the righteous to a tree planted by streams of water, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. In the Gospel, Jesus takes this teaching even further—true life is found in denying oneself and taking up the cross. The Lenten journey, then, is about choosing the way of life, which is the way of Christ, even when it involves sacrifice.
One Sentiment: The Challenge of the Cross
Jesus’ words in the Gospel are challenging: “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Lent is a time when we feel the weight of these words. The cross is not just suffering; it is a path to transformation. We may fear losing control, comfort, or security, but Jesus reassures us that in surrendering to Him, we find true freedom. As we meditate on this, we recognize that the cross is not an end but a passage to resurrection.
One Call to Action: Choose Christ Daily
Moses calls the people to “Choose life.” Jesus calls His disciples to “take up their cross daily.” The challenge for us is to choose Christ not just in big moments, but in the ordinary, everyday decisions—choosing love over indifference, self-sacrifice over selfishness, prayer over distraction, and faith over fear.
Lenten Daily Challenge: A Conscious Choice for Life
Today, make one conscious choice that leads you closer to Christ. It could be resisting a temptation, offering forgiveness, or dedicating extra time to prayer. Before the day ends, reflect: Did I choose the way of life today?
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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