It would have been a far easier, more convenient thing for God to have created robots instead of human beings  capable of making choices.

If Adam and Eve had not been cognizant, thinking individuals with the ability of choosing, the Garden of Eden would probably still be in full bloom.

If Jonah had not had a choice, there would be no story of Jonah and the “great fish.”

If Christ had not had a choice, the Cross would be reduced to a foreordained act of brutal cosmic drama.

If we had no choice, there would be no such thing as sin, for we could not responsibly do either good or bad.

However, God loved humanity enough, trusted us enough, to bless us with choice. The blessing appears at times to be a curse. Even St. Paul lamented, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway”  (Romans 7:19).

No matter what happens to you, you still have a choice. There is no such thing as a choiceless life. You always have a choice! 

For example, suppose someone does something that hurts you. What has happened is external, outside of you. Your reaction that takes place on the inside is your own. You respond, “But I can’t do anything about what has happened to me.”

Right there you have given up without a fight. You CAN do something. Your reaction to what has happened is still your own choice. How you CHOOSE to react is the one thing that no one can take away from you.   Lent is a special time for choosing.

Some thoughts from Richard Hasler

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

What recent choice of YOURS do YOU wish YOU never made?

WHEN GOD CREATED YOU, GOD CREATED A DREAM AND WRAPPED A BODY AROUND IT!

Pope Francis always welcomes your prayers……

You will find 365 wonderful poems in my book, A POEM A DAY TO PRAY 2025. Every day I hear from people who are enjoying it. https://treatsforthesoul.org/a-poem-a-day-to-pray/