＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

 See, I set before you on this day life and good,

Evil and death. I command you to love Yahweh, your God and follow his ways. Observe his commandments, his norms and his laws, and you will live and increase, and Yahweh will give you his blessing in the land you are going to possess. 

But if your heart turns away and does not listen, if you are drawn away and bow before other gods to serve them, I declare on this day that you shall perish. You shall not last in the land you are going to occupy on the other side of the Jordan.

 Let the heavens and the earth listen, that they may be witnesses against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life that you and your descendants may live, loving Yahweh, listening to his voice, and being one with him. In this is life for you and length of days in the land which Yahweh swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isa­ac and Jacob.”

 

Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 9:22-25

 And he added, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the elders and chief priests and teachers of the Law, and put to death. Then after three days he will be raised to life.”

 Jesus also said to all the people, “If you wish to be a follower of mine, deny yourself and take up your cross each day, and follow me. For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it, and if you lose your life for my sake, you will save it. What does it profit you to gain the whole world while you destroy or damage yourself?

 

Gospel Reflection：

Jesus now openly talks of His future fate. It is tragic but glorious at the same time. He will suffer rejection and death, but He will rise again from the dead after three days.

This fate is what He invites His disciples to undergo too. This seems a little bit daunting despite the assurance of resurrection. The prospect of entering death and life restored afterwards is terrifying.

How sure are you that you will return to the living from the dead? That is why it takes faith to embrace the itinerarium Christi, So as not to fear death, you need to have faith.