Thursday after Ash Wednesday (19/02/2026)
Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15–20 | Luke 9:22–25
Reflection:
Life is shaped in small moments.
Moses stands before the people and says something striking: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life.” It sounds simple. But it is not. Because choosing life is not a one-time decision. It is daily. Hourly. Sometimes painfully so.
Every choice is a declaration of belonging. What you choose to value. What you choose to tolerate. What you choose to pursue. These are not neutral acts. They form you.
Jesus deepens this truth in the Gospel. “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Daily. Not when it is convenient. Not when applause follows. Daily.
The world tells us to protect ourselves, promote ourselves, and secure ourselves. Jesus proposes something unsettling: lose yourself to find yourself. Surrender to gain. Die to live.
Why is this so hard? Because we fear loss. We fear that if we let go of control, ambition, ego, or certain comforts, we will shrink. But Christ insists the opposite is true. What you cling to can imprison you. What you offer to God can free you.
Each time you forgive instead of retaliating, you choose life.
Each time you speak truth instead of pleasing the crowd, you choose life.
Each time you resist temptation in secret, you choose life.
And slowly, almost imperceptibly, your choices sculpt your soul.
Lent confronts us with this uncomfortable reality: neutrality is an illusion. Even indecision shapes identity. Silence can become consent. Delay can become drift.
You are becoming someone. The question is who.
Choose life. Not because it is easy. But because it is eternal.
Author:
Reflection by Rev. Fr. JP Edozien, C.S.Sp – DSN Team 🌐
DSN #2039
