Dear John,

Do I pursue a life of virtue, a life that is framed by the Ten Commandments?

First reading: Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17

Psalm: 19:8-11

Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Gospel: St. John 2:13-25

In the first reading today, we hear the list of the Ten Commandments. Also known as the Decalogue, the commandments form the framework for our moral lives.

Not to observe these is to choose our ultimate destruction because God Himself has told us that these are grave obligations. We cannot pick and choose the commandments we want to keep, and there is no excuse to reject them, even if everyone else does.

But how can we possibly do this? We can only be faithful with God’s Grace, which is given to us in abundance. In every generation, Jesus calls people to be saints, including you and me. In addition, we are called to be part of a renewal for the Church and for the world.

This does not mean that we are called to be unhappy. On the contrary, living in virtue ensures happiness. Our natural state is in communion with God, and we are happiest when we are living in accordance with His Will.

The love of God and the love of neighbor is the summary of the Ten Commandments. As we journey through Lent, may Jesus help us to live those Ten Commandments fully in our lives and be joyful witnesses so that others may also find the joy of Jesus.

To read additional Lenten devotions and liturgies like the Holy Cross novena and the Litany of Humility, please visit this page: ewtn.com/catholicism/library/lenten-devotions

May the Lord guide you this Lent.

Prayerfully,

Father Joseph