Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,”

 

First Reading: (Joshua 24:1–28)

 And Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm after having done you good.”

 The people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord.”

 Then Joshua sent the people away to their inheritances. After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at 110 years old.

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 16)

 Response: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Gospel: (Matthew 19:13–15)

Little children were brought to Jesus for him to lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said:

 “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

Reflection

Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” is both a statement of loyalty and a challenge. Faithfulness to God is not simply spoken, it is lived, requiring us to turn away from all that draws our hearts elsewhere. The Israelites remembered God’s saving works and pledged themselves to him, but Joshua reminded them that this covenant was serious and demanded sincerity.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows us the openness of God’s kingdom. Children, simple, trusting, and without worldly status, are welcomed into his presence. This welcome is mirrored in the sacrament of baptism, where even the youngest are brought into God’s family, not by their understanding, but by grace.

These readings invite us to choose God deliberately each day and to welcome others into his embrace. Serving the Lord is not passive, it is active love, faithfulness, and openness to all he calls.

Have a wonderful day.

 God bless you.

 Pal Ronnie