Meditation
for Thursday after Ash Wednesday
(Deut
30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25)
Self-preservation is the greatest instinct in man. Every
other choice we make is presumed to respect our innate desire for survival. In the
first reading, Moses said to the people, “See, I have set before you this day
life and good, death and evil.” He urged them to obey God’s commandments as the
way to choose life and multiply. To disobey the commandments will lead to evil
and death. Thus, the two options of life and death have practically one
singular response: the commandments. It is either we are obeying the
commandments or disobeying the commandments. Thus, by that act with which we
keep the commandments, we choose life and avoid death. And by that act with
which we disobey the commandments, we choose death and lose life.
The hidden instinct for self-preservation in man has been
called out of its selfish domain, purified through the commandments and satisfied
in Christ Jesus. The life promised through the commandments is now flowing like
a fountain in Jesus Christ. On the cross, He opened this wellspring of life for
us, which is the end-purpose of the law. So, as we identify and carry our cross
daily, we conquer evil, and fullness of life in Jesus Christ. That is why as we
deny ourselves this Lenten season, our will is strengthened to take up our
cross. Through our Lenten observances, our instinct for self-preservation now
translates into love for the cross of Jesus. By following Jesus so intimately,
we satisfy the law, and have abundance of life. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Thursday February 23, 2023.
