Dear People of God,

Good morning. First of all, thanks be to God for the good weather last Sunday during the Fall Festival time. I also express my sincere appreciation to all the Parishioners of St. Boniface who worked hard for the success of the Fall Festival 2024. How great that all families were present on that day. Also, a big thanks to all those who came and supported this great event with your great contribution and sacrifice.

On this twenty-first Sunday, the readings are helping us to understand the importance of choosing to follow God and living out our faith in daily life.

In today's first reading, Joshua challenges the people to choose whom they will serve. "If you will not serve the Lord, choose today whom you wish to serve..." Their response was relatively rapid and positive: "We have no intention of deserting the Lord our God..." The Israelites reaffirm their commitment to the Lord. They remember His protection and guidance throughout their history.

In today's gospel, after the bread of life discourse by Jesus, some followers of Christ were disappointed. What they heard was not what they expected to hear from Christ. This teaching is too difficult for us! You are complicating our lives! They could not take it anymore. For this reason, many of them abandoned Him. So, turning to his disciples, Christ asked: "What about you, do you want to go away too?" This question from Christ is like Joshua's from the first reading of today. It leaves one with an option to remain with or abandon Christ at challenging moments in life. It is like saying, if you too are not convinced and comfortable with this truth, you may also leave. After many leave, Peter reaffirms their faith, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God.

There are inevitable moments in life when the authenticity of our faith and fidelity to God is tested by the fire of afflictions (Cf 1 Pt 1:7). Then, only true disciples will stand with Christ to say: "Lord, to who shall we go? You have the word of eternal life. You are the Holy One of God." Or, like Joshua said: "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord." So, our song must always be: "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no going back." Have a Happy Sunday!

Yours in Christ

BACK TO LIST