Father Randy Koenigsknecht
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As Lent begins, Father reflects on the call to “choose life” — not mediocrity, but wholehearted discipleship. Drawing from Sirach and the Gospel of John, this message challenges us to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as the path to abundant life in Christ.
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Last week Deacon Dave spoke so passionately about a topic that can sometimes make us uncomfortable — death. Specifically, our own death and that moment when we will stand before the Lord. It’s a theme that has continued to be on my mind as I’ve reflected on his words. This week I also finalized my own funeral plans for the diocese to have on file — not the most enjoyable task: choosing readings, planning details, deciding who does what.
But it lines up well with the readings for this week and with Lent, which begins on Wednesday. It’s a good reflection for us.
Often when we think about judgment — about meeting the Lord — we picture it as a dramatic, nerve-wracking moment. Did I make it? Did I not? We say things like, “I just want to get to purgatory,” or “I just want to slide in before the door closes,” or “I’ll try to be a good enough person — God will understand.”
But neither of those is the right attitude. Underneath those thoughts is usually mediocrity — half-heartedness. We want to follow the Lord and receive the benefits, but we don’t want to deal with the implications: the change required, the sacrifices asked of us.
Yet the degree to which we give our hearts is the degree to which we will find satisfaction.
We may taste some joy and peace with God, but it will never be full unless we give Him everything. God wants us to have abundant life. Jesus says in the Gospel of John that He came so that we might have life — and have it abundantly. Not a mediocre life. Not half-commitments. But a full life — a life that inspires, even if only those immediately around us.
Every one of us wants greatness. Ask a child what they want to be — they want to be the greatest athlete, an astronaut, something incredible. I’ve never met a kindergartner who says, “I’ll probably settle for something boring.” They dream big.
But as adults, we often forget how to dream — how to desire something great.
We treat the rich life God offers as a fantasy. Maybe it’s possible for a few saints — but not for us in the pews.
But our hearts were made for greatness.
We all feel that longing — that there’s something more. The world can fill our schedules, but it cannot fill our hearts. At best, it numbs the vacancy that only God can fill.
That’s why we need the words from Sirach:
“God has set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. Before man are life and death, good and evil — whichever he chooses shall be given to him.”
The ball is in our court.
If we wish to continue living as we are, God will allow it. But we should not be surprised by the fruits of that choice. Rarely do people dramatically reject God. What I see more often is a slow drifting — without intentional movement, we sink.
Faith is like a muscle. If it’s not exercised, it atrophies.
But it is just as easy to choose life. Stretch out your hand to God — and He will transform you. He will give you His Holy Spirit. You will experience progressive victory and freedom.
I cannot promise material success. I cannot promise good health. I cannot promise recognition. But I can promise greater joy. Peace even amid suffering. Meaning. Fulfillment.
Some of the most beautiful conversations I’ve had have been with those on their deathbeds. Those who intentionally followed Jesus often have an uncanny serenity — even joy — even peace. They shine as lights to their families.
They chose life.
That same choice lies before each of us today.
So what does choosing life look like?
Lent gives us the framework: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Prayer strengthens our relationship with God. Its goal is friendship. Talk to Him honestly — about your joy, your stress, even your anger. Give Him your heart unfiltered.
Fasting helps us properly order our lives so we are freer to hear God. Maybe it’s not just giving up sweets — maybe it’s fasting from your phone. Use blockers. Set phone-free hours. Turn it to grayscale. Create space to listen.
Almsgiving addresses our relationship with others. God blesses us so that we may bless others. Sometimes that’s financial giving. Sometimes it’s time. Sometimes it’s prayer and spiritual sacrifice for others.
This Lent, I will be praying and fasting especially for you — that you will stretch out your hands to God and choose life again with renewed strength and boldness.
You can have a full, beautiful life. A full heart. A life that inspires.
But you must take the step today.
Stretch out your hands — and choose life.