August 19, Saturday of the 19th week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint John Eudes, priest
Daily Readings: First reading: Joshua 24:14–29; Gospel: Matthew 19:13–15
Joshua stood before the Israelites as they were about to settle in the promised land. Decades had passed since that pivotal day when God led them out of slavery in Egypt. Joshua was aware that everyone would encounter temptations because they lived in a land where there were many pagan gods. It would be a challenge to learn how to live in freedom as God's people. It's a challenge we deal with as well.
Decide. This was Joshua's appeal to the Israelites, and you face the same decision. God gave you a gift that no one can take away so that you can choose whom you will follow. And part of choosing is to take hold of one thing and set aside something else. It means you're saying yes to the Lord and no to the things that separate you from him. Today. Your decision is not a one-time event but a daily one. Each morning, before your feet hit the floor, take the opportunity to choose to serve the Lord. Granted, each day will hold different challenges, different joys, and different opportunities. But the question is always the same. And the promise is always the same as well: a new beginning. You can leave yesterday behind and start over again. Today.
Whom you will serve. Will you serve your own self-interest and the false gods of pleasure, power, and riches? Or will you serve the Lord? God is the one who created you, who called you his own, and who sent Jesus to lay down his life for you. He is holy and mighty, and he is merciful and loving. He cares for you, and he never gives up on you. He gives you the Holy Spirit to help you follow him. Keeping these truths in mind, consider the many ways the Lord has led you to this "today." Let them remind you that he is trustworthy and completely reliable.
Then decide. Choose today. Who will you serve?
"Lord Jesus, I choose you today. I lay my heart and my mind before you and ask for the grace to walk in your ways."
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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