Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Today Moses tells us in our first reading, “Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving Him, and walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments, statutes, and decrees, you will live and grow numerous, and the LORD, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy. If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy.”
My brothers and sisters, the only things we have to do are listen and obey. As the beginning of the Rule of St. Benedict says, “Listen, my children, to the Master’s instruction and attend to them with the ear of your heart!” How do we listen?
I encourage you to make a prayer room or a prayer corner in your home that can be your own family sanctuary. Put holy images and pictures of family, something that reminds you that God comes first. I fight for those I love because I want to see them in Heaven with me. You are not alone—rely on others to help you. Jesus needed help with His cross as He went to His death. Will you choose life or death? The Cross or the grave?
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources