Decide today whom you will serve.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week : *Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Jos 24:14-29*

*Decide today whom you will serve.*

*1) A choice for the Yahweh*

In today's Gospel, Joshua, is urging the people of Israel to make a choice between Yahweh and the gods beyond the rivers and the in Egypt

So the people of Israel made their choice for Yahweh, because they had seen the mighty works of the Lord. 

In a way, the people of Israel made a right choice, by remaining faithful to Yahweh, who was the God of their forefathers and also the God who delivered them from the slavery of Pharaoh

*2) The command "Decide today whom you will serve" is still valid for us*

In the Gospel of the day Jesus says, *You can't serve God and Wealth*

This command tells us that we need to make a choice between the Real God, who created heaven and earth, and the gods of this world 

The choice has to be made *today* which shows the urgency and at every moment 

In choosing, one can't postpone for tomorrow

*3) Gods beyond the river*

The first reading of the day has this particular expression

The same expression is seen the Gospel, in terms of the gods of this world 

So the gods of this world could be seen in the following 

For some money is god 

For some wealth is god 

For some position is god 

For some worldly things are god 

For some beauty is god 

For some talent  is god 

For some knowledge is god 

For some power is god 

For some thier body  is god 

For some pleasure  is god 

For some name and fame is god 

For some the power to  mesmerize others  is god 

*4) Who is my God?*

This question we need to ask every day 

This is tells us, in my daily life, whom do I depend? 

Is the worldly things I believe or any other things?

When I have to decide to make a choice, what is my choice? 

*5) My Choice for My Lord*

This choice is a challenging one 

Choice for my Lord, needs a discipline, sacrifice, service and humility 

The choice for the Lord, also includes the Cross, and struggles of daily life 

But one thing is sure, my choice for my Lord, always brings 100% results in my life 

The choice for the Lord, and remaining faithful in the choice, eventually leads to the Victory

If so what is my choice for today?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*