Daily Readings - Sun Aug 26 2018
Joshua
1Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God.2And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods.15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."16Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods,17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed.18And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."
Ephesians
32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.21submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,30because we are members of his body.31"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
John
53So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?"61But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this?62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.64But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)65And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.67So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?"68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,69and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of commitment, love, and faith. The first reading from Joshua presents a pivotal moment where the Israelites are called to choose between serving the Lord or other gods. Joshua's challenge underscores the importance of deliberate commitment to God, recognizing His faithfulness and deliverance. The people affirm their loyalty, highlighting the necessity of making conscious choices in our spiritual journey.
The second reading from Ephesians deepens this theme by emphasizing mutual submission and selfless love within relationships. It calls us to imitate God's kindness and forgiveness, particularly within the context of marriage, where husbands and wives are to love and respect each other as Christ loves the Church. This passage reminds us that our relationships should mirror the unity and love of Christ, fostering an environment of support and care.
The Gospel from John confronts us with a challenging teaching about the necessity of partaking in Christ's flesh and blood for eternal life. Many disciples find this teaching difficult, leading some to leave. Yet, Peter's response exemplifies unwavering faith, recognizing Jesus as the source of eternal life. This passage invites us to reflect on our commitment to Christ, even when His teachings are hard to accept.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to make intentional choices to follow God, to nurture our relationships with selfless love, and to remain committed to Christ despite challenges. They remind us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived commitment that transforms how we love and serve others. Let us embrace these teachings, choosing each day to follow Christ, to love as He loves, and to trust in His providence, even when the path is uncertain.