Daily Readings - Sat Aug 16 2025
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of choice and humility. The first reading from Joshua presents a pivotal moment for the Israelites as Joshua calls them to decide whom they will serve—either the God of their ancestors or the idols of the surrounding cultures. Joshua makes it clear that serving the Lord requires sincerity and commitment, warning them that God will not tolerate wickedness. The people affirm their loyalty to the Lord, and Joshua seals this commitment with a covenant, using a stone as a witness to their promise.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the humility and innocence required to enter the kingdom of heaven. When the disciples try to prevent children from approaching Jesus, he insists that the children come to him, emphasizing that the kingdom belongs to those who are like them. This teaches us that humility and a childlike trust in God are essential for spiritual growth.
These readings remind us that our faith requires intentional choices and a willingness to let go of worldly distractions. Just as Joshua called the Israelites to reject idols, we must examine our lives and turn away from modern "idols" that pull us from God. Like the children in the Gospel, we are called to approach God with humility and openness, trusting in His providence. May we, like Joshua and the people, commit ourselves to serving the Lord with sincere hearts, and may we embrace the humility that brings us closer to His kingdom.