August 23, 2009: 21st Sunday in OT. B.

All three readings are about the concept of “covenant.” In the Book of Joshua from which the first reading is taken, we hear of the renewal of the covenant made at Sinai. The people have finished their desert pilgrimage, and are now in possession of the “promised land,” and it seemed fitting to renew their commitment to serve the God Who had given them their freedom and the land. St. Paul speaks of how to live the covenant which is symbolized by marriage, and interestingly enough, just like a marriage cannot be rich without love, so our “covenanted lives” will be meaningless if we can’t find the inner strength to love others and to care about their struggles. Then, in the Gospel reading from John, we hear of the Food–the Banquet that seals the covenant–or “The Covenant Food,” and it is Christ, Himself. This Food is yours, today, available at this service. Receive His Body and Blood Which was broken and shed for you into your hearts with faith and thanksgiving.