Thursday after Ash Wednesday

(Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25)

One might expect the reading on this second day of Lent to refer to the beginning of Israel’s desert experience.  After all, the forty days of Lent are frequented compared the forty years of Israel on journey with the Lord.  However, the context of the first reading is the end of Israel’s formation as the nation prepares to enter the lands of Canaan.  Lent is more than a time of trial; it is also perhaps the best opportunity during the year to reflect on what life is all about.  In the reading Moses does exactly that.

The prophet urges Israel to consider all that the Lord has done for the nation.  Not only has He brought its people out of slavery; he has also given them the Law as a sure guide to prosperity.  They could disregard the commands to love the Lord and to treat neighbors fairly.  However much personal gain bad behavior brings, it will end in tragedy.  But if they are conscientious of the Law in what they do, they are promised peace and well-being.

In the gospel Jesus indicates that for his followers he is the Law.  They or, rather, we must judge our actions as good or bad to the extent that they approximate Jesus’ ways.  This kind of comparison may seem like a losing proposition.  However, when we fail, we can turn again to Jesus who is always willing to forgive and help start over again.