My dear parishioners and visitors.
In today’s 1st reading, Josh. 24.1-1a, 15-17,18b, we see Joshua saying publicly to his people: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24: 15). Then following his example the people responded: “Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for He is our God” (Josh. 24: 18b).
Also we learn in this Sunday’s gospel, Jn. 6: 60-69, the conclusion of Jesus’ discourse on the true bread of life, that St. Peter firmly professed his faith in Jesus, saying: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v. 69). Both Joshua and St. Peter, at different times, place and situation, had made a great profession of faith in worshiping, in serving and in loving God.
We are called on this Sunday to re-commit and re-dedicate ourselves to God and to Jesus, the Son of God, who has “the Words of Eternal life”. This 21st Sunday in Ordinary time is “our Decision-Sunday”. To worship and to serve God joyfully or not and to be faithful with Jesus or not must be “our decision today”. We pray for one another that we all will be faithful to our baptismal promises in loving God and serving Him both in words and in deeds.
Have a blessed week. Fr. Peter Hoan Nguyen