21^st Sunday in Ordinary time year B 23-08-15

Theme: Living Faith a Challenge.

1^st Reading Joshua 24:1-2; 15-18 Israel chooses Yahweh.

2^nd Reading Ephesians 5:21-32 Morals of a Family

Gospel John 6: 60-69 Peter’s profession of faith.

Human life consists of many choices during the day..

Christians are invited by God to be His possession.

God sent His own Son to redeem us.

We live in this world where there are so many attractions.

We have to remind ourselves that our life is a constant test every moment.

We live among people of other beliefs.

We are often influenced by the majority beliefs.

There is a very grave temptation to be over come by the grace of God.

We might be opting to live like them, which might not be the way God want us to be.

God speaks to us in our conscience.

Though we have many rules and regulations handed over to us by tradition, the teaching wing of the church, which we have to follow.

We are tempted to question these values.

This happens because the modern thinking is changing very fast

Many of the values are simply questioned because scientific findings or reasoning do not subscribe to the tradition and teaching wing of the church.

So there is constant struggle.

Today the first reading is such reality.

Joshua had to lead the Israelites after Moses died.

He found the followers had many customs which were contrary to the teaching of Decalogue.

This happened due to the various external influences which were taking place in their lives.

So Joshua began to challenge the Israelites to choose between the values of the neighbors or the values of Yahweh.

In the second reading the comparison between a married couple and the church is a very vibrant example of harmony and unity.

In our lives too this is visible if we follow the propositions vibrantly.

We have seen this happening among the Moslems, they have a large gathering or assembly of the men who call this assembly “ISTIMA”

where all the old values are discussed new rules are formed and passed to be followed.

We have ecumenical councils.

In 1964 we had this and many new ideals and renewals were proposed.

The  one unique change which came into being was the use of vernacular in the Eucharist.

Use of Scripture in our lives.

The word of God becoming the prominent in the lives of Christians.

The importance of the Spirit coming to fore.

Hindus have “Darm Sansands”.

Tthese gatherings bring out many values which the religious leaders feel are good for their followers.

In the tribal cultures so many gatherings in the form of ‘Haats and Sansads’ where many rules are implemented.

This way rules and regulations are implemented in various ways in the lives of the believers.

Jesus has given us the ultimate law of Love.

A new commandment.

In the gospel we hear the  profession of faith by Peter the leader of the disciples.

Do we have the courage to express this same sentiment?

Often in life we are to decide either  for the Lord or against.

In this modern world we make adjustment, and compromises, but our conscience keeps on pricking us.

Then we go to attend retreats, recollections charismatic conventions.

Do they help us unless?

If so well and good.

We have to make a fundamental choice for God, that is total surrender.

I wish all a happy Sunday Celebrations

In union with the divine word,

Fr. Juze Vaz svd