Choose Life, Take Up the Cross | Catholic Morning Prayer – February 19, 2026

Описание: Catholic Morning Prayer – February 19, 2026
Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Welcome to the Catholic Morning Prayer for February 19, 2026.
As we continue our Lenten journey, the Word of God places before us a clear and demanding choice. The Lord calls us to choose life—not merely in words, but through daily decisions shaped by faith, sacrifice, and love.

In the First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15–20), Moses sets before the people of Israel a solemn choice: life and prosperity, or death and doom. To choose life is to love the Lord, walk in His ways, and remain faithful to His commandments. God does not force this decision; He invites His people freely, urging them to choose what leads to blessing and life. Faith, here, is shown to be concrete—lived through daily choices.

In the Gospel (Luke 9:22–25), Jesus reveals the true cost of discipleship. He speaks openly of His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Then He calls each disciple to follow Him by denying self, taking up the cross daily, and walking the same path. Jesus teaches that true life is not found in self-preservation, but in self-giving love.

The connection between these readings is clear. Moses calls God’s people to choose life through obedience. Jesus shows us that this choice passes through the Cross. Lent teaches us that sacrifice is not loss, but transformation. What we surrender for Christ is never wasted—it is redeemed.

Today’s Word invites us to examine our priorities. Are we clinging to comfort, control, or self-interest? Or are we willing to lose something of ourselves in order to gain Christ?

To choose life is to choose the Cross—not as a burden, but as the path that leads to resurrection.

🙏 Begin this day by choosing Christ anew.

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