Friday, August 14, 2015



Memorial of Saint Maximillian Kobe, martyr

(Joshua 24:1-13; Matthew 19:3-12)

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Sì warns that the current overuse of resources is hurting the poor today and will jeopardize future ages.  The pope would say along with Joshua in today’s first reading that the present generation has been given a land that that had not tilled and vineyards that they did not plant.

Joshua’s purpose is to remind the Israelites how good God has been to them.  It was not they who won victory over the Egyptians or conquered the peoples of the land promised to Jacob.  Joshua will ask his countrymen to be faithful to their Lord by obeying his commands.

We too are inheritors of a great legacy.  Americans have enjoyed virtual freedom from invasion and a prosperous economy.  We should not take these gifts for granted but give thanks to God daily.  Better still, we should work to preserve these resources and to share them with less developed countries.

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