Vol. 15, No. 1, January, 2010

Jesus Is Telling Us: Choose Life
by Sr. Brigid Meierotto, S.N.C.

In this teaching, we will accept the word of God, the Scriptures into our hearts and minds, letting them be light to us. The Scriptures are the inspired word of God which has the power to accomplish what it says, for us. Yes, for us, right here. right now!

The Scripture we are reflecting upon is James 5:1-6; and Mark 9:35-50. Read these passages slowly, prayerfully.

As you read the Scripture, in your heart ask the Holy Spirit to explain to you the message that the Lord has for you personally. Do not doubt that the Lord Jesus will do this for you, because that is why he came, so that you can get to know and to love Jesus. "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:25f). Ask the Holy Spirit what you expect from him...something like this: "O Holy Spirit, Jesus said that you would teach me all things and I believe him. Teach me to choose life! Teach me to stay out of hell at all costs! Teach me that nothing is worse than being without Jesus! Teach me to love Jesus with my whole heart, giving him praise and adoration with every breath! Thank you, O Holy Spirit."

James warns us in his letter about the consequences of choosing riches:

"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days."

Jesus, in Mark's Gospel, warns us to stay out of hell at all costs! Whatever it takes to avoid sin, whatever it takes to keep the 10 commandments, do it! Nothing is worse than the living-death of being without Jesus forever. Nothing -- not being maimed, lame or blind, is worse than being without Jesus -- because Jesus is Lord -- we depend on him for our life!

Jesus even goes so far as to tell us that if our hand causes us to sin, cut it off; it is better to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell. And if our foot causes us to sin, cut it off, as it is better to enter life lame than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if my eye causes me to sin, pluck it out; it is better to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two eyes.

Jesus does not desire the death of anyone! Jesus has poured out his Spirit upon us so that we can be saved from death -- so that we can have the strength, the power, the patience to avoid anything that will bring us death.

Jesus gave a special instruction to the twelve disciples who were discussing among themselves who among them was the greatest:

"If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (vs 35)

In verse 7 of chapter 5, James instructs us:

"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord...Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Jesus urges us today -- choose life -- whatever it costs -- choose life! We can put our hope, our trust in Jesus because he has the power to save us, to heal us, to give us life today!

Closing prayer: Thank you, Spirit of love, for teaching me to choose life! Thank you for teaching me to stay out of hell at all costs! Thank you for teaching me that nothing is worse than being without Jesus! Continue to teach me to love Jesus with my whole heart, giving him praise and adoration with every breath! Thank you, O Holy Spirit." Now the prayer to Mary: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen!"