We are called to choose life or death (Dt 30:19). We are also called to choose ourselves or Jesus. "Jesus said to all: ‘Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps…What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?' " (Lk 9:23, 25) Do we want to gain the whole world for ourselves? (Lk 9:25)
It's certainly good to renounce gain for ourselves, but it's even better to choose to gain all things for Jesus, especially to gain all souls for Him. After all, the world and its fullness are the Lord's (Ps 24:1). This world was created for Him (Col 1:16). The evil one has robbed so much from the Lord. Let us choose to lose the world for ourselves so that we choose the world to be returned to the rule of Jesus Christ the King (see Rv 17:14).
Let this return begin with us. Choose to lose the whole world in your own life (Lk 9:24). Choose to do whatever it takes to gain the world for Jesus. Make a return to the Lord this Lent (see Ps 116:12). Choose to give all for Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, You have chosen me for Your service (Jn 15:16). I choose to spend my life helping to restore this world for Your glory. |
| PROMISE: | "Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live." –Dt 30:19 |
| PRAISE: | Jeremy, a young man of nineteen, refrained from eating meat the forty days of Lent in order to get closer to the Lord. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College