Decision Time

Deacon Tom writes

“Decision Time”

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve…” (Jos 24:15).  Joshua poses this demanding question to all the Israelites gathered at Shechem many years after they had entered the promised land.  The people responded, “… We will serve the Lord, our God, and will listen to his voice.” (Jos 24:24)  Today as we listen to this scripture passage, we are asked the same question!  And what is our response?

No generation has had an easy time answering this question.  Life has always been hard.  Finding God in the midst of all that life presents challenges all of us and eludes even those who strive to do so.  Who is God? What is my relationship with God? What does the Almighty ask of me so that I can answer this question honestly and with resolve?  These thoughtful questions are ones people have been asking themselves throughout the ages, questions, perhaps we have been asking too over the course of our spiritual journey. 

I find it helpful to reflect on a passage from St. John’s gospel to get a better understanding on “how to” serve God in the way that God desires.  It is the passage where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and when he has finished, he asked them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?” Not certain how they, the apostles, should respond, Jesus continues… “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do”.  (John 13:15)

Jesus, ever the teacher, gives us a very simple example of how we are to serve the Lord, Our God… by placing ourselves at the service of one another.  St. Paul gives us some further guidance when he instructs the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”. (1COR 11:1)

This question about deciding whom we should serve is so very important today.  There are many activities competing for our time, our attention, money, and loyalty.  Our own individual choices we make in pursuit of happiness and the lure of the myriad of technological advances that fill every waking hour leave very little time for crucial activities such as spending quality family time together, engaging in meaningful reflection, finding time for solitude and reflection…

Scripture asks us today “…Whom we will serve”.  May God’s grace lead us so we may come to know, love and serve him in this life and in the life to come.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image credit: thronewatching.com

We Are Always Courageous

San Damiano Cross - Commons.Wikipedia

Deacon Tom Writes ©

“We are always courageous”

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“We are always courageous” St. Paul writes to the Corinthians because “we walk by faith, not by sight”. It does take a lot of courage to put your heart and soul into something when you’re not sure what the outcome of your efforts will be. St. Paul set a good example for us as he preached the kingdom of God to the Corinthians. “The kingdom of God is among you” (LK 17:21), Jesus told his disciples.  It has its roots here in this life and yet much of the fruit won’t be ready for harvesting until the next life, when we “appear before the judgment seat of Christ… and receive recompense” for what we have done, “…whether good or evil”.

It takes courage to give witness to the gospel of Christ by living each day in accordance with the values Christ taught us. Being a follower of Christ is easier said than done. It’s easier to preach ten sermons than to live one, as the saying goes!

St. Paul was on to something when he spoke of the courage it takes to live a life of faith. It takes courage to have one foot planted firmly here in this world, in terra firma as they say, and the other foot planted in that spiritual realm, the kingdom of God, that Christ preached to help govern and direct our lives. People of faith face much difficulty trying to manage their responsibilities, in attempting to balance the realities of this world…the need to provide for family, to pay the mortgage, to save for college for the kids, and taking care of ageing parents all while living virtuous lives that reflect the gospel values.

It takes courage to face our own struggles and at the same time to reach out and help others who face their own set of challenges and difficulties. It takes courage to visit the soup kitchen each week and not feel helpless in the face of the endless need. It takes courage to work for peace and justice with all that we see happening in our communities and in the world. Yet, our faith constantly encourages us to be courageous and not lose heart in the face of the obstacles we encounter.

It is so important as Christians to be constantly aware of God’s love and to remember that God’s grace is always at work in us, giving us the courage to persevere in our faith.  Aware of God’s love and presence in our lives, we are then better able to love and serve him by loving one another.

Enjoy the Day!

Deacon Tom