Choosing life and self denial

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary raise a fundamental paradox amid seemingly common sense advice. The Book of Deuteronomy presents Moses choice to the people of Israel to obey God and live with prosperity or to turn away and face adversity. The sense of turning and changing direction is important here. The Commandments are a scaffolding which support a project to build a life which is attuned to hear the invitation of God and to move in that direction. People, at different times in their lives, experience changes in their sensitivity to the call of the Lord. It is difficult and and may lead to improper condemnation to try to be literal and legal about the Law. The Spirit of God is heard by the heart and the meditation praised by the psalmist, constant, day and night brings direction which is away from the wicked and scoffers to the fruitful path of life in relationship with the Divine. This relationship is the key to insight into the great paradox of the willingness of the Son of Man and those who hear His call and follow Him to be Suffering Servants for others. The great mystery where rejection by some brings fruit of inclusion for others, practice of humility brings glory to All and death to self brings Life.