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Sunday, August 27, 2000

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21st Sunday Ordinary Time


Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18
Ephesians 5:21-32
Psalm 34
John 6:60-69

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service entrance

"Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods." —Joshua 24:16

For over three thousand years, countless people have made the commitment: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:15). By making this commitment, we do more than serve the Lord. We become slaves of the Lord (see Rm 6:16; Col 3:24). It is no longer we who live but Christ Who lives in us (Gal 2:20).

In committing themselves to be slaves of the Lord:

  • Wives commit themselves to be "submissive to their husbands as if to the Lord" (Eph 5:22).
  • Husbands commit themselves to give themselves up for their wives (Eph 5:25).
  • Children commit themselves to honor and obey their parents (Eph 6:1-2).
  • Parents commit themselves to make their children disciples of Jesus by giving them "the training and instruction befitting the Lord" (Eph 6:4).
  • Employees commit themselves to obey their employers and supervisors "with the reverence, the awe, and the sincerity" they owe to Christ (Eph 6:5).
  • Employers commit themselves to treat their employees with justice, dignity, and love — even when this approach does not maximize profits (see Eph 6:9).

There is much more to "serving the Lord." Nevertheless, based on what you know so far, will you and your household commit to serving the Lord?

Prayer:  Father, I decide to serve You with gladness (Ps 100:2).

Promise:  "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced that You are God's Holy One." —Jn 6:68-69

Praise:  Praise You, Jesus, risen Lord, Hope of the world, Love of our lives, and Joy of our hearts!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000