12 February 2023

He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.

From Ecclesiasticus 15: 16-21, NRSV

Today’s first reading comes from one of the Wisdom Books of the Bible. The author, Ben Sira, reminds us that it within our capacity to choose ways that are life-giving as opposed to those that are not; to choose good or ill. We make many choices every day – often without thinking. We may not think that our choices – including those we regard as important – are actually “life or death” choices. Perhaps we are being reminded that this is a choice we do need to make from time to time. Choosing life brings with it the expectation that we wish to live by God’s law of love, and that making this choice colours all of the other decisions we make. Choosing “life” requires that we not only think about the ways in which our choices benefit ourselves but that we also make choices make a life-giving difference both to ourselves and others.

• • Why do you think that we are given free will in making the fundamental choice between good and ill?
  • How do we know when the choices we make are life-giving or not?

Think about any choices you face at present – and pray for the discernment to make decisions that will be for your good and for the good of others.