Deut 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25
The freedom of choice is certainly not a light matter. In fact the freedom of choice is synonymous with the power of choice.
Indeed, choice is the power that the individual has within. And that power of choice is exercised over himself, over others and even over God.
Yes, we can choose against God and to defy Him and disobey Him, and yet God would not reverse our decision. Simply because that's the power and freedom He has given to us.
Moses understood this power of choice. God had called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He met with many occasions where he could have disobeyed God but yet he chose the way of God.
And hence, in the 1st reading, Moses exhorted the people to obey the commandments of God and to follow His laws.
And he also tells them that they can choose to let their hearts stray and refuse to listen, and even worship and serve other gods.
Moses understood the power of choice as a critical matter of life or death, of blessing and curse. It's such a critical matter that he even called upon heaven and earth to bear witness to whatever the people chose.
In the gospel, Jesus also puts a choice before us. If we are to follow Him, then we have to renounce ourselves and take up our cross everyday.
As for Jesus, we know what was His choice. He chose to save us and in doing so He accepted suffering and rejection and even death.
May our choice be for God, to love Him, and to be loving to those around us and to help them to choose the reward of eternal life.