The Words of Joshua

Joshua led the children of Israel across the Jordan and into the promised land to take up their promised inheritance. And as his death drew closer, he gave a farewell speech to the nation, which had been chosen by God to be a holy nation unto the Lord and a peculiar people unto Himself.

Joshua rehearsed his final instructions in the ears of a nation that was to frequently and repeatedly do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He reminded them of God’s precious promises given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of how He led them into the land of Canaan; multiplied their descendants; saved them from the bondage of Egypt and slew Pharaoh’ army in the Red Sea. He reminded them of God’s continuous blessings during the wilderness wanderings, despite Israel’s murmurings and lack of faith and he recalled the numerous times that God delivered Israel’s enemies into their hands.

Joshua’s Word of Declaration

And finally, as the time for his departure drew ever closer, Joshua called the people to give ear to the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth and to put away the gods which their fathers had served beyond the River Jordan and in Egypt. Joshua was determined that he and his house would serve the Lord in reverence and fear and his departing words to the people of Israel were to serve the LORD, give ear to the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth.

Joshua’s Call Remains Ours Today

The urgent call that Joshua gave to the people of Israel is the same call that is needed in the church today. Like St Maximilian Kolbe, who offered himself in exchange for the father of a large family who was to be executed, let us give ear to the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. As believers we also have been saved. We have been saved from bondage to sin and death. We have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, by grace through faith in Him.

We have been saved, redeemed, and blessed with every spiritual blessing. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation unto God and His special possession so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. And yet too often we are murmuring against the Lord when things do not go as we expect or hope, and we demonstrate lack of faith in our heavenly Father by trusting in our own strength and not depending on Him in spirit and truth.

We also have the invitation like the little children in today’s gospel to come to Him. He insists that we like the children MUST come to Him. In our own efforts to bring our loved ones near to the Lord, or bring ourselves to Him, He is on our side. His desire for us to meet Him and find life will overcome the various obstacles that may stand in our way. God will find a way of bringing us to Him, in spite of any resistances of whatever kind. Let us take to heart Joshua’s wise instructions to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to serve our God in sincerity, in spirit and in truth – to His praise and glory. 

[Memorial for St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr. Readings: Jos 24:14-29; Mt 19:13-15]

Fr. Nnaemeka Paschal Ajuka

Fr. Nnaemeka Paschal Ajuka, PhD., BCC., ACPE Certified Educator Candidate, is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Nigeria, and a Board-Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). He is a retreat preacher who loves his faith. As a sociologist, he cherishes and operates from the vertical and horizontal relationships with God and neighbor. He takes Saint Francis of Assisi’s prayer for peace “Lord make me an Instrument of Peace,” as his ministry mission statement. He is a care provider who meets human needs without discrimination. He has been actively involved in the pastoral ministry in parishes in Nigeria and in the US. Previously, he was an adjunct lecturer at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary Umuahia and the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. Currently, he is a Certified Educator Candidate with the Department of Chaplaincy Services and Education, University of California Health, Davis, Sacramento.

2 Comments

  1. sid on August 15, 2021 at 10:42 am

    In saying my rosary, I put my TRUST in the MOST HOLY TRINITY< IN THE MOST HOLY FAMILY and in CHRIST. and I say I trust in you, May YOUR WILL be DONE. I am human and l think of the things I want done to punish the evilness of this world but I am learning that this judgement is best in HIM HANDS. and I must have patience and keep on praying

  2. Susan Parolini on August 14, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    Thank you, Fr. Paschal. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. God bless and protect you.

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