We have a choice whether we will give in to these promptings or not. We always have a choice.

Lent is no exception. Some will be tempted to “sit this one out.” Others will obey the Spirit’s urgings and choose both to confront the darkness and selfish tendencies in their lives and to face the saving presence of God in their lives. Why would they do this? They know that one cannot escape the darkness without first facing the darkness and similarly one will never embrace the Light until one has grown to trust the Light. Embracing the season of Lent is simultaneously making a choice to grow and change.

In the second reading today St. Paul reminds us of just how powerful the virtue of obedience and the vice of disobedience really are: "Just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many were made righteous." Again he says, "Through one man sin entered the world…" But "just as through one, transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all."

So, which is the world going to receive through you: A blessing or a curse, condemnation or acquittal, forgiveness or revenge, peace or violence, reconciliation or division, compassion or indifference, involvement or apathy, generosity or… nothing? For some people, “obey” is just a four-letter word! For disciples of Jesus, obedience is a virtue that changes the course of history ~ ours and others. Will you obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus? Your answer will change the world ~ for better or for worse.