Daily Readings - Sat Aug 19 2023
Joshua
14"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.15But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."16Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!17It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.18And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God."19Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.20If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you."21But the people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve the LORD."22Then Joshua said, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.Yes, we are witnesses," they replied.23"Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."24And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."25On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws.26And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD.27"See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."28Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.29After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten.
Matthew
13Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of commitment, faith, and humility. In the first reading from Joshua, we hear the people of Israel making a solemn promise to serve the Lord and reject the idols of their ancestors. Joshua challenges them to choose faithfully, warning them that serving the Lord is no trivial matter, for He is a jealous and holy God who demands sincerity. The people, recalling the wonders God has done for them, affirm their commitment to follow Him alone. This passage reminds us that faith is not a passive state but an active choice—one that requires us to let go of lesser loyalties and incline our hearts fully to God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the humility and openness required to follow Him. When the disciples try to prevent children from approaching Jesus, He rebukes them, saying, "Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus is not just expressing affection for children; He is using them as a model of the trust, simplicity, and dependence that should characterize our relationship with God. Just as children rely on their parents without question, we too must approach God with a childlike humility, recognizing our need for Him and surrendering our pride and self-reliance.
These readings are deeply connected. Joshua’s call to choose the Lord wholeheartedly and Jesus’ emphasis on childlike humility both point to the same truth: our relationship with God is not about half-hearted commitments or self-sufficiency. It is about surrendering our lives to Him in trust and simplicity. In our daily lives, this means letting go of distractions and idols—whether they be material comforts, pride, or fear—and instead choosing to follow God with sincerity. It also means cultivating humility, recognizing that we are dependent on God’s grace and mercy. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we remember that true greatness in God’s eyes is found in a childlike heart, open to His love and guidance. Let us pray for the courage to make a wholehearted choice for God and to live with the humility and trust of children.