21st Sunday of the Year
Josh 24:1-2 & 15-18; Eph 5:21-32; Jn 6:60-69 (Year B)
“We have no intention of deserting the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt. We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”
This affirmation of faith in the God of Israel came at the conclusion of Israel’s long pilgrimage from the slavery of Egypt to their settlement in the Promised Land.
Joshua had led the tribes across the River Jordan, enabling them to overcome the hostility that awaited them. Now at last they had found peace in a land that was their own. At this moment of fulfilment Joshua summoned the tribes to the ancient shrine of Shechem. There, in a solemn covenant, he challenged them to serve the God of their salvation, abandoning all others. “Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.”
