Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Thursday February 19, 2026
Choosing Life with Christ
The Thursday after Ash Wednesday calls us to think about the path we choose in life. The readings show that every choice brings us closer to God or farther away. Moses tells the people to choose life by loving and obeying God. Jesus reminds his followers that real life means following him, even when it is hard.
This day reminds us that faith is more than words. It is lived out in the choices we make each day. Choosing life means putting God first, trusting his way, and caring for others. It means letting go of things that keep us from following Christ with a willing heart.
On the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, we are invited to take a closer look at our own path. Are we choosing what brings life, or are we holding on to things that lead us away from God? This is a time to turn toward Christ again and to walk with him in faith and love.
Daily Mass Readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
- First Reading – Deuteronomy 30:15-20: Moses sets before the people a choice: life through obedience to God’s commandments or death by turning away. He urges choosing life, promising prosperity in the promised land for them and their descendants.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: Blessed are those who delight in God’s law, avoiding the ways of the wicked. They are steadfast and fruitful, protected by the Lord, unlike the wicked who falter.
- Gospel – Luke 9:22-25: Jesus foretold his suffering, death, and resurrection, setting the stage for a profound teaching on discipleship. He called for self-denial and daily commitment from anyone wishing to follow him, emphasizing that true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice for his sake. He questioned the value of worldly gain at the cost of one’s soul, challenging followers to consider the eternal weight of their choices.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?
Luke 9:25
Themes for the Readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
The Thursday after Ash Wednesday, through its readings from Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Luke 9:22-25, presents themes central to the Lenten journey and Christian discipleship. Here are the key themes:
- Choice and Commitment: Moses’ address in Deuteronomy presents a clear choice between life and death, blessings and curses, predicated on obedience to God’s commandments. This theme of choice emphasizes the importance of deliberate commitment to God’s ways.
- Life through Obedience: The first reading ties the concept of life not just to a biological existence but to a life enriched by following God’s laws. It suggests that true prosperity and wellbeing are found in obedience to God.
- Suffering and Resurrection: The Gospel reading introduces the prediction of Jesus’ own suffering, death, and resurrection. This theme is central to the Christian faith, highlighting the paschal mystery and the hope it brings.
- Discipleship and Self-Denial: Jesus’ call to deny oneself, take up one’s cross daily, and follow him defines the essence of discipleship. This self-denial is portrayed as a path to true life, contrasting worldly values with spiritual fulfillment.
- The Value of the Soul: The rhetorical question posed by Jesus about gaining the world but losing oneself (or one’s soul) prompts reflection on the eternal significance of one’s choices and the primacy of spiritual over material gain.
- Eternal Perspective: Both readings encourage a perspective that transcends the immediate or temporal, urging believers to focus on eternal life and the lasting consequences of their decisions.
- The Journey of Lent: These themes collectively resonate with the Lenten call to repentance, reflection, and renewal. The Lenten journey is marked by a deeper consideration of one’s life choices in light of God’s commandments and the call to follow Christ.
These themes for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday offer a rich tapestry for reflection as the faithful embark on the Lenten journey, inviting a deeper exploration of one’s relationship with God and commitment to living a life of faith and discipleship.
Reflection for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
The readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday remind us of the power of our choices and the cost of following Jesus. Moses calls the people to choose life by obeying God’s commandments, while Jesus invites His followers to take up their crosses and deny themselves. Both readings ask us to reflect on how our decisions align with God’s will and lead us closer to Him.
Choosing Life
In the first reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Moses urges the people to choose between life and death, blessings and curses. This choice is not only about physical survival but about living in obedience to God’s commandments. Choosing life means committing to God’s ways and experiencing the fullness of life He offers.
Moses reminds the people that this choice impacts not just themselves but also their descendants. Obedience to God brings blessings and prosperity, not as a reward for actions but as a result of living within God’s plan. Turning away, however, leads to separation from the source of life.
This call to choose life is a call to relationship. It asks us to love God, listen to His voice, and walk in His ways. By doing so, we find true life and peace, not only for ourselves but for future generations.
The Cost of Discipleship
In the Gospel for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Jesus calls His followers to take up their crosses and follow Him. He makes it clear that discipleship requires self-denial and daily commitment. It is not an easy path, but it is one filled with purpose and hope.
Jesus reminds us that clinging to worldly comfort or success cannot save our souls. Instead, true life is found in surrendering ourselves to God’s will. This means putting aside selfish desires and trusting in God’s plan, even when it is hard or involves suffering.
He also asks a powerful question: what is the value of gaining the whole world if we lose our souls in the process? This challenges us to reflect on our priorities and the choices we make. Are we living for temporary things, or are we focused on the eternal life Jesus promises?
The Eternal Weight of Choices
A shared theme in both readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday is the eternal significance of our choices. Moses speaks of choosing life by following God’s commandments, while Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Both invite us to consider the consequences of our decisions, not just in this life but for eternity.
Every choice we make reflects what we value most. Choosing life means aligning our actions with God’s will, even when it is difficult. This might require sacrificing comfort, status, or material gain, but it leads to lasting joy and peace.
Both Moses and Jesus remind us that life with God is about more than rules or sacrifices. It is about a relationship grounded in love and trust. By choosing God, we find not only eternal life but also the strength to face the challenges of this life with hope and purpose.
As we meditate on these messages, let us open our hearts to God’s guidance. May we choose life, embrace the sacrifices of discipleship, and live with eternity in mind.
Prayer
Lord, help us to choose life by following Your ways each day. Give us the strength to take up our crosses and trust in Your promises. Teach us to value what truly matters and to live in a way that honors You. May our decisions bring us closer to You. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does choosing life look like in your daily decisions?
- Are there sacrifices Jesus is calling you to make for the sake of following Him?
- How can you align your priorities more closely with God’s will?
- What steps can you take to focus less on worldly success and more on eternal life?
Homilies and Commentaries for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Selfishness leads to Emptiness
Mary Erika Bolaños reflects on Jesus’ call to self-denial in the Gospel for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday. Many people think denying oneself means giving up all joy, but it actually means putting God’s will above personal desires. The world encourages people to chase success, pleasure, and recognition, but these things do not bring lasting fulfillment. When life is centered only on self, it leads to emptiness. True joy comes from living in relationship with God and serving others.
Following Jesus requires self-giving love. Just like love grows when it is shared, life becomes richer when lived for God. Denying selfish desires does not take away freedom; it leads to true freedom. It removes pride, sin, and distractions that keep people from peace. Lent is a time to reflect on what needs to change in life to follow God’s ways. Choosing God over self leads to a deeper, more meaningful life.
3 Steps to Following Jesus
In the Gospel for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Jesus tells His followers that He will suffer, be rejected, and die, but will rise again on the third day. He then challenges them, saying that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and lose their life for His sake. He warns that gaining the world means nothing if a person loses themselves in the process. Jesus calls people to embrace sacrifice and reject the desire for comfort and instant gratification.
Matthew Kelly reflects on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday by emphasizing the importance of self-denial. He explains that success in any area of life—faith, relationships, health, or work—requires delaying gratification. Learning to deny ourselves strengthens our ability to love, because true love is the gift of self. Kelly encourages people to find small ways to practice self-denial each day, allowing them to grow in freedom and live the Gospel more fully.
Carrying the Cross with Christ
Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus calls His disciples to actively take up their crosses. This is not just about accepting suffering but willingly embracing it for the sake of others. Jesus carried the burden of the world’s sin out of love, and we must do the same by helping to lighten the burdens of those around us. True discipleship means choosing sacrifice, not avoiding it.
On the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Bishop Barron reminds us that following Christ leads to the cross. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when Jesus calls someone, He calls them to come and die. Bartimaeus, after receiving his sight, followed Jesus to Calvary. The Christian life begins and ends with Christ’s sacrifice, and we are called to walk that same path.
The Path to True Life
Deacon Burke-Sivers reflects on Jesus’ call to follow him by taking up the cross. The Gospel on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday reminds believers that the path to salvation is not easy. Jesus tells his followers that true life comes through self-sacrifice, not selfishness. Many struggles—pain, fear, loss, or personal burdens—can feel overwhelming, but carrying these crosses with faith brings transformation.
Living for God means loving, serving, and acting with justice and compassion. Gaining the world but losing one’s soul leads to emptiness. The saints are examples of those who gave their lives for others and remained faithful to God. The cross is not just a sign of suffering but also of love and victory over death. Those who embrace it with trust in God will find true peace and everlasting life with him. Following Christ’s path leads to the fullness of life he promises.
More Homilies and Reflections for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Resources
The Book of Deuteronomy: Choosing the Way of Life
In Deuteronomy, Moses calls the people to choose between life and death, showing how obedience brings blessing while rebellion leads to loss. This passage reflects the book’s focus on covenant faithfulness and the consequences of turning from God. It reminds Israel that love for God is expressed through action and trust. This message shapes the tone for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
Deuteronomy as a whole urges the people to remain loyal to God as they enter the promised land. It presents the law as a path to life and a way to live in right relationship with God and one another. Moses’ appeal in this reading captures the heart of Deuteronomy’s theme of covenant renewal.
Psalm 1: Rooted in God’s Law
Psalm 1 introduces the book of Psalms as a guide for a life centered on God. It contrasts the righteous, who follow God’s ways, with the wicked, who stray. This opening psalm sets the tone for all the prayers that follow, showing that faithfulness brings stability and blessing. Its message fits the reflection for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
The psalm connects personal devotion to God’s larger work of justice and care. It shows that those who live by God’s word become like trees near water, strong and fruitful. This theme of growth through faithfulness echoes through many later psalms.
The Gospel of Luke: Following Christ’s Path
In Luke, Jesus prepares his followers for the road to Jerusalem and the cross. His call to deny oneself and take up the cross each day reveals what true discipleship means. This reading on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday reminds believers that following Christ involves trust and courage, even when the path is hard.
Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that real life comes through service, mercy, and surrender to God’s will. His warning about gaining the world but losing the soul points to the eternal perspective found in Luke’s vision of salvation. The message calls every disciple to walk faithfully in his steps.
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At the Foot of the Cross
This image for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday shows a traveler laying down their burden at the foot of the cross. It reflects the Gospel of Luke 9:22-25, where Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross each day. The bright backpack represents what we carry in life, and the act of kneeling shows surrender and faith.
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Questions and Answers for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday
What is the significance of the readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday?
The readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday highlight the themes of choice, discipleship, and the value of eternal life over worldly gain. They call believers to reflect on their lives and commit to following God’s commandments and Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice.
How does the first reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday relate to the season of Lent?
The first reading from Deuteronomy emphasizes the choice between life and death, urging believers to choose life by obeying God’s commandments. This message resonates with Lent’s call for repentance, reflection, and renewal, encouraging a deeper relationship with God.
What does Jesus mean by taking up one’s cross daily in the Gospel reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday?
Taking up one’s cross daily refers to the willingness to face hardships, sacrifices, and suffering for the sake of following Jesus. It signifies a daily commitment to living out the values of the Gospel, even when it challenges personal desires or societal norms.
Can you explain the choice Moses presents in the first reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday?
Moses presents a choice between life and death, blessings and curses, based on obedience to God’s commandments. Choosing life means committing to a relationship with God that is marked by faithfulness, leading to prosperity and blessing.
What lesson can we learn from the Gospel reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday about material wealth?
The Gospel teaches that material wealth and worldly gains are insignificant compared to the value of one’s soul. True life and fulfillment come not from accumulating possessions but from following Jesus and prioritizing spiritual wealth.
How do the readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday encourage spiritual reflection during Lent?
The readings emphasize the importance of choice, the cost of discipleship, and the eternal perspective on life and death. They invite believers to reflect on their spiritual journey, encouraging repentance, commitment to God, and the pursuit of a deeper faith.
What is the promise associated with choosing life in the Deuteronomy reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday?
The promise associated with choosing life is prosperity in the promised land for oneself and descendants. It signifies God’s blessing and favor upon those who obey His commandments and live according to His will.
How does the theme of self-denial in the Gospel for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday apply to our daily lives?
Self-denial involves sacrificing personal desires and comforts for the sake of following Jesus. It applies to our daily lives by encouraging us to live selflessly, prioritize others’ needs, and embrace spiritual values over worldly ambitions.
Why is the Thursday after Ash Wednesday important for Christians observing Lent?
This day is important because it sets the tone for Lent by focusing on the themes of repentance, sacrifice, and the choices that lead to spiritual growth. It challenges believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and live out their faith more fully.
What action can Christians take during Lent in response to the readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday?
Christians can engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, reflecting on their life choices and relationship with God. They can also seek to embody the message of the readings by practicing self-denial, serving others, and deepening their commitment to follow Jesus.
A Call to Choose Life
The readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday focus on the choices we make and their lasting impact. In the first reading, Moses urges the people to choose life by following God’s commandments. He reminds them that this choice brings blessings and leads to a fuller life for them and their descendants. Turning away from God, on the other hand, leads to separation and loss.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship. He calls His followers to take up their crosses daily and deny themselves. True life, He explains, is found in giving ourselves to God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice. Jesus warns against prioritizing worldly gains over eternal life, asking what good it is to gain the whole world but lose our souls.
Both readings challenge us to think about how we are living and what we value most. They remind us to choose actions that honor God and to trust in His promises, even when the path is difficult. Choosing life means living with eternity in mind and placing our trust in God’s plan.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday. How are you choosing life in your daily actions? Are there sacrifices you need to make to follow Jesus more closely? Take time to pray and reflect on these challenges.
Share your thoughts in the comments and encourage others to choose life and trust in God’s promises.