046 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

Cycle B 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time     

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34: 2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6: 60-69

Homily Theme

A Decision

In the first reading, Joshua gives an ultimatum to the Israelites to make a decision about whether they will serve the one true God and remain faithful to His commands for them. Remember many of them had previously grumbled and rebelled in the desert and worshiped other Gods. Their decision is immediate. They will serve Him and obey Him alone. Now they can enter the Promised Land.

In the second reading, Paul instructs the Ephesians about the duties of husbands and wives. They must decide to love and give of themselves completely to each other in a holy marriage, just as Christ does to His Church. Many marriages today end because those decisions are not kept. They will decide to walk away from each other in a divorce. Their marriage vows were not their ultimate decision.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges His followers with His teaching on the necessity eating His Body and drinking His Blood if they wish to enter eternal life with Him. A vast crowd decides to walk away to follow Him no more. Jesus challenges the apostles and is prepared to even lose them also over this doctrine. Thankfully, they make the ultimate decision to follow Him still, even though they don’t yet understand this teaching. It will become one of the most fundamental teachings of all the apostles and the Early Church

Today, millions have made the decision to walk away from the Church and no longer practice their faith. Many others choose other places of worship that are more to their liking and less demanding, where they can pick and choose what they believe. Jesus did not compromise this teaching then, and He does not compromise it now. At Holy Mass, the bread and wine become the true Body, Blood of Jesus. This happens only, when a Priest with Apostolic Succession, says the words that cause it to become this Great Mystery. Peter didn’t understand it when he made the decision to accept and believe it. Will you also leave me Peter? Master to whom shall we go for you have the words of eternal life? Our Eternal Life also depends on this ultimate decision. Make sure you make it. When was the last time you went to Mass to receive Him?

Here in America we are preparing to make a decision about the future direction of our Country. Let the Prophet Joshua challenge us also to make a correct decision when we cast our votes. Will we decide to defend our liberty to faithfully serve our God as the Jews did in the desert? Let us pray with faith for the freedom to worship Him according to our consciences. The future of the Church‘s freedom to teach in our Universities, Schools and Hospitals may depend on the Decision we make in the next General Election. To whom will you give your vote?

Make very sure it is the right Decision