“Think differently! Live differently! Choose wisely!”

We have been listening to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as he lays out for us some challenging proclamations on how to live faith filled lives. This Sunday, he lays all on the line: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. No, I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” His words following this are rigorous and demanding. He says, here’s what you heard and think. But this is what I say to you. He challenges his listeners to go beyond the letter of the law, but follow the spirit of it. This is a powerful and provocative prelude to Lent, which begins this Wednesday. Maybe this reading today offers us a lesson on what is expected of us and Jesus’ disciples. He maps out the road we are to travel. And Lent gives us the time to get on that path. Those words also lay out a prevailing theme of Lent. It can be a time of choosing, and of change. We begin the season every year being reminded of our death, making a commitment to conversion, going without simple pleasures so that we can give more of ourselves to others and to the Lord. The readings this Sunday call on us to think more deeply about choices we’re making. We could consider Christ’s words a rallying cry: “Think differently! Live differently! Choose wisely!” This is a message we all need to hear. So during Lent search our consciences, examine what we need to change, how we need to grow, and where we need to redirect our lives. Or to put in words that sound familiar: What have we done? What have we failed to do?