The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch (Torah). The word means “second law” and the book is structured as a long sermon by Moses re-capitulating the way of life that God commands the Chosen People. At the beginning Moses tells the people why they should obey these laws — because God has acted on their behalf with mighty blessings. That is always a good starting point in the life of a believer. When we are attentive to God’s goodness toward us we respond in kind. Thus, when Jesus tells us to “take up our cross and follow him” he is not asking us to go out of our way looking for suffering. Rather, we live each day as a faithful response.
