Choose wisely

     As I was listening to the reading from Deuteronomy at Mass this morning, and reflecting upon a message for this post, it struck me that the reading itself was a great reflection upon what it is that we should do in response to the goodness of God, while we appreciate all that God has done for us.  The colors will signify (red) what is is we should, must, ought to do in response to being chosen and blessed, as we reflect upon (blue)  the goodness and generosity of God's actions toward us.

Deuteronomy 10: 12 - 22

Moses said to the people:
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD, your God, ask of you but to fear the LORD, your God, and follow his way exactly, to love and serve the LORD, your God, with all your heart and all your soul, to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD which I enjoin on you today for your own good?

Think!

The heavens, even the highest heavens, belong to the LORD, your God, as well as the earth and everything on it.  Yet in his love for your fathers the LORD was so attached to them as to choose you, their descendants, in preference to all other peoples, as indeed he has now done.  Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiffed-necked.  For the LORD, your God is the God of gods, the LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes; who executes justice for the orphans and the widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him.  So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.  The LORD, your God shall you fear, and him shall you serve; hold fast to him and swear by his name.  He is your glory, he, your God, who has done for you those great and terrible things which your own eyes have seen.   Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy strong, and now the LORD, your God, has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky."

     This little summary or recap was presented to the people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.  They were given the choice - accept and move forward or reject and go back.  But I love the one word sentence in the middle of the reading ... "THINK!"  What is being offered ... what is expected ... what are the consequences.  Choose wisely.