Walking with Jesus: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, August 25, 2024

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

We have very interesting readings today — readings perhaps more practical to a huge amount of our readers. The basic question is our individual faith. Living the Word expresses it this way: The journey of faith is a road that often twists and turns, but it’s also a road with forks. Faith calls on us to decide how we’ll continue. We love our families and extended families: We want the best for them and we pray often for them. But they can be exasperating, especially when they tell us they don’t go to church anymore or they don’t like the Catholic church. We feel we have failed in some way. Our conversations with them go nowhere; they are beyond listening — which is disruptive and so hurtful for each of us. Why is this happening? Why are people falling away from active participation in the Church or any church? There are many reasons.

Condensed from James W. Kinn’s Teach, Delight, Persuade:

• More and more American Catholics believe that they can have faith without religion.
• They believe in a God who leaves them alone, with no real demands.
• God is in heaven and has little influence on human living.
• The general outline of the commandments is enough for living right.
• They reject rigid sexual morality regarding marriage and abortion.
• Their faith is internal: Simple faith with baptism is enough for salvation.
• Our compassionate God will save them because of their basic faith ... or so they hope.

Jesus, St. Paul’s letter and Joshua, Moses’ aide and successor, firm in his faith to God, respond today.

Joshua sets the scene: Moses must be dead, for Joshua is the undisputed leader. The people are assembled in an area later known as Samaria. The Ark of the Covenant — the symbol of God’s presence — is present, signifying the seriousness of the gathering. Joshua puts it plainly: Whom will they serve? Three options are given: Continue to serve their ancestral gods, remaining true to their past identity; choose the gods of the people where they are now dwelling; or worship the Lord their God who has led them out of Egypt. They can make a choice. Joshua’s choice is decisive: He and his family will serve the Lord. The rest of the people decide to do likewise. They realize that God has always been involved in their lives. Do we take time to see how God has been involved in our lives?  Have we thanked Him for this?

In Psalm 34 the author is praising God and encourages others to do the same. God looks upon all who come to Him; all who cry out for help. And God helps them. They don’t rely on themselves but realize God’s presence and care. When I do, I realize God’s love for me. So do I do this?

Paul is addressing some of the responsibilities of husbands in traditional, patriarchal marriages, where there is not true mutuality: Wives are to be subordinate. Really the point of the message is how marriage becomes a metaphor for characterizing the relationship between Christ and the Church. Christ loves the church enough to give His life for it. He sacrifices His divine privileges for the sake of the Church. So marriage is used to characterize the mysterious union of Christ and the Church. The emphasis is on love as reciprocal and unifying, having nothing to do with its elements of ranking and subordination. God loves — Jesus died for us. Why? Love.

So often Jesus’ words are met with opposition, even disbelief. We see this today. What is most shocking is that this disbelief comes from His disciples and not from the Jewish opponents. They just can’t understand that Jesus is the Son of Man who has come down from heaven. If this disturbs them, what will they think when He ascends back from whence he came? Both ascending and descending imply He is a heavenly being: God. I am God ... do you doubt? If you say that I am God, what does that mean to you? Do you then have to change your attitude? (Yes.) That since I love all people, you must do the same? (Yes.) That this is what it means to love? (Yes.) That what you have been given, you must give? (Yes.) And Peter responds for himself … and me too … and for you? “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 6:69)

So I reflect on:

• When I come to a fork in the road, how do I decide which path to take? Sometimes one path is more obviously inviting than the other one. Other times, both paths look pleasant and easy. And still other times, both might look weedy and overgrown — perhaps even loaded with snakes. How does the appearance of the road influence my choice?
• The decision to serve the Lord seems clear, obvious and easy! Sometimes, however, it's not, because cleverly hidden “other gods” may appear — money, power, things to buy — which may pull me down a path away from the Lord. What do I do then?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The disciples were challenged by the teaching of Jesus and the departure of others who could not accept His message on the bread of life. May we have the insight and courage to be open to the guidance of the spirit that gives life.

“Jesus asked His disciples directly if they too wished to go away. Peter professed faith, but he did not understand the full implications of what he said. Lord, may we have the freedom to follow You even if we do not understand very well where You are leading us.”