Deuteronomy 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25
When making choices, it is quite obvious that we choose what we think is good.
So we will choose what benefits us most, we will choose what is convenient and easy, we will choose the path of least resistance.
Our human thinking is often focused on immediate gratification or results.
We don’t see beyond nor reflect deeper about the outcome or the consequences.
In the 1st reading, Moses set before the people life and prosperity, death and disaster.
Moses even narrowed it down to life or death, blessing or curse.
Obviously we want life and blessing over death, disaster and curse.
But the distraction and the temptation of sin lead us to desire for pleasure and gratification, that will eventually lead us to death and disaster.
In the gospel, Jesus made it clear what is His destiny and His choice.
He chose to accept suffering, rejection and even a shameful death.
And Jesus tells us that if we want to be His disciple, then we must renounce ourselves, to take up our cross and to follow Him.
So while winning the whole world may look attractive, would we want to ruin our lives to do so?
To renounce ourselves and take up our cross is difficult and even painful.
But if we really want life and blessing, then our choice must be for the cross.
In doing so, we follow Jesus to receive life and blessing.