Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 16 August ‘25
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday
Joshua 24:14–29. Matthew 19:13–15
We will Serve the Lord
Today’s first reading is taken from the concluding section of the Book of Joshua. Before his death, Joshua gathers all the people at Shechem. This assembly has three purposes: (a) To recall God’s goodness – Joshua reminds the Israelites of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them, assuring them that He will continue to sustain them in the future. (b) To renew the covenant – the covenant made at Mount Sinai between God and Israel is reaffirmed. And (c) To offer his farewell address – Joshua speaks his final words to the people.
Israel’s journey from polytheism to the worship of the one true God was not an easy one. Time and again, they turned back to other gods. Joshua instructs them to put away the gods their ancestors worshipped beyond the River. To lead by example, he declares with conviction:
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
In the Gospel reading, we read of Jesus blessing little children. In Israel’s cultural context, children were not even “counted” in public life until they reached the age of twelve. They were referred to as “it” rather than “he” or “she.” In particular, children were often forbidden from approaching rabbis in public places.
Against this backdrop, the disciples try to shoo the children away. But Jesus not only calls them to Himself, He declares that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these — making them the first heirs of the Kingdom.
After Joshua’s death, the period of the Judges begins. Without strong leadership, the people of Israel will face much hardship. That is why Joshua seeks to instil self-discipline in them before his passing. For him, the foundation of personal discipline is exclusive faithfulness to the Lord.
Pastoral Application
The covenant renewal at Shechem and Jesus’ welcome of the children both point us to the heart of Christian discipleship — serving God with undivided loyalty and welcoming the least among us with open arms. Joshua’s words, “We will serve the Lord,” are not just a family motto but a daily decision. Jesus’ embrace of the little ones is not merely a gesture of kindness but a radical reordering of values — where the seemingly insignificant become the most honoured in God’s Kingdom.
In our homes, parishes, and communities, to “serve the Lord” means: Choosing God’s ways above all other influences. Valuing the poor, the weak, and the young not as burdens but as gifts. Leading by example so that our faith is seen not only in our worship but in our welcome.
If we combine Joshua’s covenant faithfulness with Jesus’ inclusive love, our service to the Lord will be both steadfast and tender, firm in truth and rich in mercy.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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