Nineteenth Saturday of Ordinary Time

But the people answered Joshua, "We will still serve the LORD." Joshua therefore said to the people, "You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the LORD." They replied, "We are, indeed!" Joshua continued: "Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel." Then the people promised Joshua, "We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice."

As his last act as leader of the Israelites, Joshua exhorted them to continue to serve God and the people answer that they will. In the same way, we must constantly answer that we will spend the rest of our lives knowing, loving, and serving God. We are our own witnesses and must keep ourselves accountable. We must keep the commandments of God and grow in virtues. We must admonish ourselves when we do wrong, correct our behavior, and do penance for our sins. We must put away those things that keep us from being totally devoted to God. We must turn our hearts to Him without reservation or hesitation. We must open our ears, minds, and hearts to listen to God’s Voice, understand His Will, and put the Word of God into action.

Do we renew our commitment to serving God on a daily basis? Are we willing to leave behind everything and follow God where He wants us to go? How can we learn to listen to and be faithful to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit?

O Lord, we will serve you and obey your voice.

Amen.