In the first reading, Moses issues a clarion call to the Israelites to choose life and blessing over disaster, curse, and death. In the Old Testament, prosperity was considered a blessing from God. Such prosperity was regarded as a reward in this earthly life for those who followed the Law. At the same time, death was a curse for those who disobeyed Him.

However, in the Gospel, Jesus says that "... anyone who wants to save his life will lose it, but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it". Was He asking his followers to choose death over life?

Well, no! He was asking them to look beyond their finite earthly horizon to seek that which is everlasting: eternal life with Him. A life that transcends physical death is one of endless happiness and joy with Him. Our material possessions are impermanent, and the desire for prosperity can lead us to do evil deeds.

To enjoy the fullness of life with Him, we must allow Him to be the centre of our lives, imitate Him in our words, thoughts and actions despite that it will involve suffering for His sake. This, then, is what it means to choose life over death.