Thursday after Ash Wednesday – Deut 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-4,6; Luke 9:22-25

“I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules” (Deut 30).

Life is a relentless pursuit of happiness. Each person perceives it differently and seeks it in various matters. Some find it in wealth, beauty, and physical prowess, or in travel and exploring the world. For others, happiness is a loving family or a prestigious job. Through Moses, God promises us happiness, but it is qualified on living according to God’s directions. We must make the choice whether to walk the path of God’s commandments or to follow our own, often very distorted, vision of happiness. God forces no one, leaving the choice to us: “‘See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.”

God’s law is demanding. Choosing it may often mean needing to sacrifice or to forego what is pleasant, what seems to be our happiness. Chasing after mere semblances of happiness solely found in worldly matters can lead one to believe that God is no longer needed. A person may find his idol in material goods and subordinate his entire life to it.

Examination of conscience:

What place does God occupy in my day-to-day life?

In my choices, do I follow His law or merely human considerations, desiring an easy life?

Which path do I choose?