Homily - Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

📖 Readings

  • Joshua 24:14–29 – Joshua urges Israel to serve the Lord faithfully and renews the covenant.

  • Psalm 16:1–2a, 5, 7–8, 11 – “You are my inheritance, O Lord.”

  • Matthew 19:13–15 – Jesus welcomes little children and blesses them.

Introduction 

A little boy once prayed:
“Dear God, if You can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry. I’m having fun the way I am!”
We laugh, but often we are like that boy—enjoying life without realizing God calls us to a deeper commitment. Today’s readings challenge us to choose God sincerely, like Israel, and to have the humility and trust of a child.

The Word of God

First Reading (Joshua 24:14–29)

  • Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers the people at Shechem.

  • He challenges them: “Choose this day whom you will serve.”

  • Israel renews its covenant, acknowledging God’s saving acts.

  • This is about loyalty, total dedication, and rejecting false gods.

Psalm 16

  • Declares the Lord as our inheritance and portion.

  • Living close to God brings security, joy, and eternal life.

Gospel (Matthew 19:13–15)

  • Disciples try to keep children away, but Jesus welcomes them.

  • Children symbolize openness, trust, and dependence on God.

  • The Kingdom belongs to those with a childlike heart—not childish, but humble and trusting.

Connection of the Readings

  • Joshua urges a decision: God or idols? Jesus shows that entering God’s Kingdom requires childlike trust.

  • The link: True covenant faith is marked by humility, dependence on God, and joy in serving Him.

  • Both warn against half-hearted faith—either we belong to God fully, or we risk drifting away.

Reflection Questions

  1. If I had to publicly declare my allegiance, would I boldly say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”?

  2. Do I have a childlike openness to God’s will, or have I become hardened by life’s disappointments?

  3. What “modern idols” might be stealing my loyalty—money, status, comfort, or resentment?

Implications for Daily Living in Light of the Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality

  • Jubilee Year – A time to renew our covenant with God personally and as Church.

  • Synodality – Like Israel gathered at Shechem, we are called to listen to each other, discern together, and walk in unity.

  • Make space for voices often ignored—like the “little ones” Jesus embraced.

Inspiration / Motivation

  • The smallest in the eyes of the world are often the greatest in the Kingdom.

  • Choosing God daily means surrendering our pride and trusting His providence.

  • Renewal starts not with grand gestures, but with simple, faithful steps.

Quote for the Day

“Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future.” – Anonymous

Final Thoughts

Like Joshua’s audience, we are at a crossroads every day. Like the children in the Gospel, we are invited to approach Jesus without pretence. The Lord still asks: “Whom will you serve?”

Concluding Prayer

Lord, today I choose You again. Remove every idol from my heart and make me trust You like a little child. May my life be a living covenant of love and service, and may my home be a place where Your name is honoured. Amen.

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