As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. // Joshua 24:15

With a puzzled look my friend said to me, “We invited your son over this afternoon, but he said you had a church thing . . .”  I could see she was trying to figure out what kind of church thing we’d be attending on a Saturday afternoon. In truth, our family was scheduled to go to Confession, and while I was flexible enough to look for a different Confession time, I wasn’t willing to miss the Sacrament entirely.

It’s not unusual to have to navigate questions about why we don’t just skip Mass or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially with our busy family schedule. Or we’re asked why we won't see that movie or let our sons download that song. It’s a constant minefield trying to live in the world, but not of it, and, as a parent, trying to find a balance between too permissive and too restrictive.

But what other choice is there? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and I have made the decision to love and serve Him. The First Reading says it plainly: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

That means that you and I will live our lives differently than the rest of the world. Sometimes, it’s not too difficult and we witness the fruit of our efforts. Other times it can be arduous, especially when we are ridiculed or lose friends or suffer strained family relationships. That is when we need to lean on Jesus more and ask for His grace to remain strong, while maintaining a spirit of charity and humility. 

Are you serving the Lord in your words, thoughts, and actions? Or perhaps your heart is heavy from the cost of following Christ. Either way, open your heart and speak to the Lord about it. 

Jesus, we desire to live for you entirely. Reveal to us any areas in our lives that are not serving You. Please strengthen us when we feel weak or scorned. We love You. Amen.