This second day of Lent, the scripture readings leave no doubt that Lent is a very serious business. It calls me back to Christian basics, to basic choices about what life is for, what it means, what is important. As a preparation time for the celebration of Easter, Lent invites me to revisit, to renew the life-journey and faith-journey I've made in becoming a follower of Jesus. Today the Gospel puts me at the point where Jesus starts telling His disciples, and telling me, about His "Way". It's a way that would lead Him through suffering, rejection, even violent death, but would also lead to resurrection and full life with God. Sharing His way is a choice that seems hard for human nature, but it's a choice of love, wanting to be a follower, to be with Him: it's the way I've already chosen. The start of Lent reminds me of this cross-roads - choosing which road to take, life or death, blessing or curse. It's an invitation to confirm again, remind me if by any chance I have tended to forget. There are always choices to be made in life: may I make them in the spirit of wanting above all the glory of God and the fulfilment of His will, in the company of Jesus on His way. At the cross-roads, one road is the way of the cross, but it leads over the hill and beyond what I can see.