Choosing to Follow Christ

08-25-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

This Sunday’s readings present us with a profound challenge: the decision to follow God wholeheartedly, even when His teachings are difficult to accept. Through the words of Joshua, Paul’s instructions, and Jesus’ discourse in the Gospel of John, we are called to make a deliberate and conscious choice to remain faithful to the Lord.

In the first reading, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel and challenges them to decide whom they will serve: “If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve... As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Jos 24:15). The people respond by affirming their commitment to the Lord, recalling His mighty works in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. This moment of decision emphasizes the importance of choosing to serve God, not out of compulsion, but from a place of recognition and gratitude for His deeds in our lives.

The responsorial psalm echoes the theme of trusting in God’s goodness, inviting us to “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 34:9). The psalmist highlights God’s faithfulness in delivering the just and comforting the brokenhearted, reminding us that in choosing to follow God, we find refuge and strength in His unfailing love.

In the second reading, Paul addresses the Ephesians, urging them to live in love and mutual respect within their marriages, mirroring the relationship between Christ and the Church. Paul’s words remind us that our commitment to God should be reflected in our relationships with others, especially within the family. The love and sacrifice demonstrated by Christ for the Church serve as the model for our interactions, calling us to live in a manner that honors God and strengthens the bonds of unity and love.

The Gospel brings us to a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. After teaching about the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life, many of His disciples find His words too difficult to accept and abandon Him. Jesus then turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you also want to leave?” Peter’s response is a powerful declaration of faith: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). This exchange underscores the challenge of discipleship—choosing to follow Christ even when His teachings are hard to understand or accept. It calls us to trust in Jesus’ words and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, knowing that He alone offers the path to eternal life.

These readings compel us to reflect on our own faith journey. Are we willing to make the choice, like Joshua, to serve the Lord with all our hearts? Can we, like Peter, declare our unwavering trust in Jesus, even when faced with challenging teachings? Following Christ requires a deliberate choice, one that we must renew daily as we navigate the complexities of life. This week, let us recommit ourselves to following Christ, embracing His teachings with faith and trust. Let us choose to serve the Lord in all aspects of our lives, reflecting His love in our relationships and trusting in His promise of eternal life. In making this choice, we affirm that, indeed, He is the Holy One of God, and His words are Spirit and life. Amen.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC