Here some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the 21st Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Joshua 24:1-2a,15-17,18b

• Joshua calls upon the people to make a choice…who will they serve?
• The people affirm their faith in God, who led their fathers out of the land of Egypt.

Psalm – 34:2-3,16-21

• “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
• God delivers the just person from distress, trouble and trials.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 5:21-32

• The relationship between husband and wife takes on spiritual dimensions, far beyond the household code of authority.
• Marriage, with its interdependent relationship of love, reveals the greater mystery of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Gospel – John 6:60-69

• Jesus persists in his teaching of the “Bread of Life” discourse, even as the disciples are murmuring.
• Many disciples separate from Jesus and return to their former way of life.
• The Twelve remain with Jesus as Peter testifies that the Lord has “the words of eternal life.”

Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year

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