We are now in the beginning of Lent, a time of conversion and a time of abiding in the Word Jesus. Let us hear this invitation and listen deeply to God's presence within and around us. The reading today from Deuteronomy challenges us to CHOOSE LIFE. "CHOOSE LIFE, then, that you and your descendants may live by loving your God and heeding God's voice." Deut. 30:19
What a gift we have received to be able to choose good from evil and to CHOOSE LIFE for ourselves and those we love. This includes suffering as we struggle to live our lives in a new way, bringing peace and justice to our families, our neighborhoods, and our world.
Katherine Drexel whose feast we celebrate today inherited a substantial fortune which she chose to use to found schools and missions for the Black and Native peoples to educate them and form future leaders. She listened to her heart and to what Jesus said in today's Gospel; "Whoever wishes to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will save it." Luke 9:24. Let us CHOOSE LIFE today by allowing God to take possession of our lives.