Reading I: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Reading II: Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32
GOSPEL: John 6:60-69
Our lives are filled with competing priorities and it’s an unfortunate fact that many people fall victim to the individualistic, narcissistic values that modern society seems to force-feed us. So for those of us who find ourselves struggling to keep life in perspective and maintain good, Christian values, this week’s readings have an uplifting message to share. For even though we tend to think of the people in the Bible as being holier and more steadfast, the fact is that they suffered adversity and were faced with competing values just as we are today.
Which Gods Do YOU Serve?
At first glance, the reading from Joshua may seem a bit odd by today’s standards. In the reading, Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel together and asks them to decide which gods to serve. He lists off the choices they have available – the gods their fathers served or the gods of the Amorites – but concludes by asserting, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
From our modern-day perspective, we are not surprised with the Israelites reply: “We also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.” After all, we know that there is only one true God. It would be foolish to act like a pagan and worship some other false “gods.” If we leave it at that, the first reading seems to have little bearing on our lives today.
But instead of asking “which gods do I serve?” ask yourself “what things do I worship?”
Where do you spend your time? Are you so focused on your education or your career that you sacrifice other parts of your life? Or perhaps you don’t care what kind of work you do, as long as the money is excellent? How about sports? Do you know the stats of every football player, watch multiple games each Sunday, and then spend countless hours on your Fantasy Football league?
The activity that takes up the bulk of your time is usually the “god” that you truly serve.
Jesus Loves the Church – and You!
In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul explains how much Christ loves the church, which is his body. Thus it follows that Christ loves us, for we comprise the church and are all part of the body of Christ on earth today. If we really think about how deeply Jesus cares for us, it should be enough to make us stop and examine our actions. How are we returning that love? Are we worshipping Jesus… or are we serving some other “god?”
Just as spouses should love, respect, and care for one another, we should do our best to be fully involved in a loving, respectful and caring relationship with Christ. We should put him first in our lives, just as he puts us first.
To Whom Shall We Go?
Unfortunately, we don’t have the pleasure of knowing Jesus the way his disciples did. Unlike Thomas, we cannot put our fingers in the nail holes or place our hands in his side. But we do come to know Jesus through the sacraments, through Scripture, through prayer, and through each other in community. When we look with our “eyes of faith,” we can see the Holy Spirit at work in our own lives and in the lives of others. We can’t sit at the table and break bread with Jesus in the same way that his disciples did, but we absolutely have the means to build a close, personal relationship with our Savior.
Who do you serve? Jesus loves the church and he loves you. How do you return his love? And if everyone else turned their backs on Jesus and walked away because it was too hard to believe in him, would you turn your back as well – or would you be more like Simon Peter?
Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
(John 6:68-69)
Challenges – Then and Now
Joshua and the Israelites had their faith tested. Simon Peter and the other disciples had their faith tested as well. Just like you and me, they had to make decisions regarding who they would worship (and how they would spend their time). We should take comfort knowing that those who went before us faced challenges and hardships, and the Lord helped them make it through.
On this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, perhaps our challenge is to decide how best to demonstrate our belief that Jesus is truly the Holy One of God.
Life Applications:
How do you spend your time? Which “gods” do you serve?
What do you do to create a relationship with Jesus?
What activities should you spend less time on? What should you do more?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B):
Original article by Brandon Jubar, 2006-2021.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.