Thursday after Ash Wednesday

JESUS' OFFER OF SALVATION - TO SUFFER FOR OTHERS

Luke 9:22-25

In the first reading God offered man a choice - to follow his command or not; to be his people or not.  The people consented.  This is a covenant based on free will.

Where and how do we use our freedom?  To kill or to build?  To unify or to separate?  We would know that our freedom could also lead us to slavery.  It can also lead us to true freedom to be God's people.

Jesus offers us the same thing - to suffer for others; to take up one's cross.  What actions lead us to freedom - our selfishness?  Those who save their lives will lose them.  But those who lose their lives for the sake of Jesus will save it.

Let us review all the times we brought freedom or slavery to ourselves and others.  It is not yet late to choose. The more we offer ourselves for others, the more we live.

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