Choose Life: The Cost and the Reward of Following Christ

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Choose Life: The Cost and the Reward of Following Christ

Readings:
First Reading - Deuteronomy 30:15–20
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 1:1–4. 6
Glory and Praise - Matthew 4:17
Gospel Reading  -  Luke 9:22–25

Today’s readings present us with a clear and unavoidable reality: life is shaped by choices. God places before us two paths — and invites us to choose wisely.

Life and Death Set Before Us

In Deuteronomy 30, Moses speaks plainly to the people:

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction… Choose life.”

God does not manipulate or force. He presents the consequences honestly. Loving Him, walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments lead to life. Turning away leads to loss.

This is not merely about physical survival. It is about spiritual vitality — the kind of life that flourishes under God’s guidance.

Choosing life means choosing obedience, even when it is difficult.

Two Ways, Two Outcomes

Psalm 1 reinforces this image beautifully. There are two types of people:

  • The one who delights in the law of the Lord — like a tree planted by streams of water.

  • The one who follows the way of the wicked — like chaff blown by the wind.

One is rooted and fruitful.
The other is unstable and empty.

The difference is not circumstance but foundation.

A life rooted in God remains steady through drought and difficulty. A life built on selfish desire is easily shaken.

Repent and Turn

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His public ministry with a simple but powerful message:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry. It means turning — changing direction. It is choosing the path of life after realizing we have walked toward destruction.

The kingdom is near, but entering it requires a decision.

The Paradox of Losing to Gain

In Luke 9, Jesus speaks words that challenge our natural instincts:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Here is the paradox of the Christian life:

  • To save your life, you must lose it.

  • To gain everything, you must surrender control.

The world says, “Protect yourself. Promote yourself. Preserve yourself.”
Jesus says, “Surrender yourself.”

Choosing life in Christ often looks like loss in the eyes of the world. But what does it profit someone to gain the whole world and lose their soul?

Daily Decisions Shape Destiny

These readings remind us that choosing life is not a one-time event. It is a daily commitment.

Every day we choose:

  • Forgiveness or resentment

  • Integrity or compromise

  • Faith or fear

  • Surrender or control

Every small decision moves us closer to life or further from it.

God’s invitation is loving but urgent: Choose life.

Reflection Questions

  • What choices in my life are drawing me closer to God?

  • Where am I resisting repentance?

  • What cross am I being asked to carry daily?

  • Is my life rooted like a tree, or drifting like chaff?

Prayer

Lord,
You have set before me life and death.
Give me the courage to choose life.
Help me repent where I have strayed.
Strengthen me to carry my cross daily.
Root me deeply in Your Word,
so that my life may bear fruit that lasts.
Amen.

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