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21st Sunday B
Jos 24:1-2, 15-17, 18
This passage is from the conclusion of the book of Joshua (c. 24). After settling in the land of promise, Joshua gathers the Israelites at Shechem. The people are given the choice to renew the commitment made at Sinai (Ex 19-24), with Joshua clearly stating his choice for himself and his household (v15c). A brief retelling of God’s saving acts during the Exodus is shared (vv17f), which is further expanded by Joshua in the introductory ceremony (vv2-13). The people, united and without dissent, choose the Lord as the covenant is renewed with verbal acceptance (v18b).
Eph 5:21-32
This passage emphasizes a moral stance of respect, demonstrated by a willingness to take a secondary position in Christian conduct (v21; 1 Pt 5:5). The marriage relationship requires acknowledgment of the husband’s leadership (v23; 1 Cor 11:3). These forms of subordination are connected to faith, not societal or Gentile domestic norms; it is a matter of reverence for Christ who is present in all believers (v30). Likewise, the husband is also bound by Christian principle, specifically the willingness to completely sacrifice himself for his wife, as Christ did for the church (v25; 1 Cor 11:3; Col 1:18). The marriage union reflects the relationship between Christ and his church (vv25-28), where Christ’s love for believers led him to sacrifice his life. Similarly, husbands are expected to demonstrate this kind of love (v28). As all believers are members of one body in Christ, by loving his wife, the husband demonstrates love for himself and his own body.
John 6:60-69
These concluding verses from Jesus’ discourse on himself as the bread of life, and the sacramental flesh and blood, highlight the reaction of his disciples to his teaching. The initial “murmuring” that accompanied the bread of life discourse (vv41, 43) continues here (v61). The passage maintains the distinction between “flesh” and “spirit,” with the former representing a purely natural understanding of Jesus’ teaching, failing to grasp its true meaning, and the latter representing a God-given gift that leads to a faithful acceptance of his words. Only a new birth will bring spirit and life (3:6f).
Jesus concludes his lengthy discourse, which addresses his own teaching (bread) and the Eucharist (flesh and blood), serving as a strong test of faith. Faith is not achieved through human effort alone, although cooperation is essential; it is attained through God drawing the believer (vv64f; 6:37; 8:46f).
Some of those who heard his teaching and followed him remained unbelieving, and many others departed (v66). However, the twelve remained faithful, with Peter articulating their faith. He fully affirms Jesus’ teaching as the key to life, using words that almost echo Jesus’ own (vv68, 63).
Joshua asked the people to express their intention of remaining with Yahweh or not. Similarly, Jesus ended his Bread of Life discourse by challenging his disciples with the same question: Do they wish to stay with him or leave? May our faith be strong enough, like that of the apostles, to choose to stay rather than walk away from Christ. Amen!
