Next in Line

~~~ Memorial of Saint Claire, Virgin ~~~

~~~ Deuternomy 31:1-8 ~~~ (Psalm) 

~~~Deuternomy 32:3-4AB, 7, 8, 9 AND 12 ~~~

~~~ MT 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 ~~~

Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel

said to him, “Be brave and steadfast,

for you must bring this people into the land...

Nearing his final days, Moses passes on 

the legacy of leading the chosen people.

Joshua is called by Moses,

commissioned to take the lead position.

Joshua represents the younger generation.

It is time for them to take over.

Joshua is told to be brave and steadfast.

He is told to remember that God has 

and will continue to protect the people.

Sitting around the dinner table we often share stories of past times.

The parents retelling stories of the birth of the child...

the grandfather sharing his stories of first love..

battles fought...lives lost for love of country.

The stories we pass on from one generation to the next

 bring families closer together.

These stories affirm how God has cared for the family.

Joshua has seen how God has been with Moses

 all the years of his life.

He knows the story of the baby floating in the basket.

He knows the story of Moses being saved by the Pharaoh's daughter.

Now it is his place to follow the path given to Moses by God.

Whoever becomes humble like this child

is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Joshua must become humble, like a child,

so that he can lead the people.

Joshua is not called to lead the people on a new journey.

Joshua is called because he represents the younger generation.

Joshua was too learn from Moses.

Joshua was to be humble, accepting his call to listen to the Lord.

Today we are given a similar invitation...

to follow the Lord like a child

with humility and love.

Saint Claire gives a beautiful example today.

She left her wealthy life of luxury

to follow the call of God.

She founded the religious order of the "Poor Ladies".

The order takes the vow of poverty and lives a life committed to prayer.

Saint Claire, pray for us.

We are Blessed to be more like little children...

for they shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

~~~Peace~~~