Reading 1
Jos 24:14-29
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
and addressed them, saying:
“Fear the LORD and serve him completely and sincerely.
Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the LORD.
If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples
through whom we passed.
At our approach the LORD drove out all the peoples,
including the Amorites who dwelt in the land.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
Joshua in turn said to the people,
“You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive
your transgressions or your sins.
If, after the good he has done for you,
you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you.”
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.”
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day
and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem,
which he recorded in the book of the law of God.
Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak
that was in the sanctuary of the LORD.
And Joshua said to all the people, “This stone shall be our witness,
for it has heard all the words which the LORD spoke to us.
It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God.”
Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own heritage.
After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the LORD,
died at the age of a hundred and ten.
16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 5a)
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Gospel
Mt 19:13-15
Children were brought to Jesus
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said,
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them;
for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Meditation: Matthew 19:13-15
“Let the children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14)
How intimidating it must have been to those parents who were rebuked for bringing their children to Jesus! The parents meant well. All they wanted was for Jesus to bless their children. They saw God’s goodness and life revealed in him, and they wanted that for their children. What parents wouldn’t want that for their children?
Jesus’ words, “Let the children come to me,” are for us, too. He loves our children—even more than we do. Physical maturity and intellectual development are no prerequisites for coming into God’s presence and having a relationship with him! Children are just as precious and honored in his sight as we are. And quite often, they are more open to God’s presence and love. They tend to be free of the reserve and self-consciousness that can hinder adults.
So let the children come! Make time for family dinners. Pray a decade of the rosary or read a Scripture passage each evening. School, sports, and other activities can clamor for our children’s time and energy. How important, then, to make sure they don’t squeeze out time for the “church in miniature” that is your family! Tune out the voices (from without and within) that say your children are missing out if they aren’t involved and engaged every moment of the day. Plan ahead, too, so that family time includes fun time that will draw your children in.
Sometimes it’s as simple as setting your own priorities. Set the example for your children by praying every day yourself and attending the sacraments together regularly. Read the Scriptures with your kids and talk with them about what you are learning. Above all, tell them that God loves them and that they are important to him. Let faith be a part of the environment in your home, and it will become contagious.
So often, we parents are caught up in all that we have to do for our children—and there is much we must do! It’s a welcome relief, then, to know that if we simply try to bring our children to Jesus, he will welcome them and bless them. It doesn’t all depend on us!
“Jesus, you were eager to have the children come to you. Teach me how to push past the obstacles in my life and bring them to you.”
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