Dear friends in Christ,
As we gather this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Scriptures call us to reflect on the profound choices we make in our journey of faith. In today’s readings, we encounter moments where individuals and communities must decide whom they will serve in times of trial.
In the first reading from Joshua (Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b), Joshua urges the Israelites to reaffirm their commitment to God. He presents them with a choice: to serve the Lord who brought them out of Egypt or to follow other gods. The people, recognizing the Lord’s mighty deeds, declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.”
In the Gospel of John (Jn 6:60-69), we witness a similar moment of decision for the disciples. Faced with the challenging teachings of Jesus, many turn away. Yet Peter, with deep faith, proclaims, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This echoes the decisive commitment seen in Joshua—an unwavering choice to follow the Lord.
These readings remind us that faith is about making deliberate choices, even when the road is difficult and the outcome uncertain. This theme of choosing faith in adversity is not just a story from ancient times; it continues to unfold in our own community.
This past week, our parish witnessed a powerful example in the life of young Alexandrino Jose Siki Chaves, one of our devoted Altar servers. Alex, a bright and gentle child, suddenly fell gravely ill. What began as a simple headache escalated into a life-threatening condition—meningitis. The doctors prepared his family for the worst, suggesting long-term challenges in walking and speaking if he survived.
In their despair, Alex’s parents chose to lean into their faith. They asked Father Hung Tran to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Father Hung quickly visited Alex in the hospital, praying fervently for God’s healing. Remarkably, during the anointing, Alex began to recover. He woke up, spoke, and even started walking with assistance. The medical team was astonished, describing it as an extraordinary turnaround. By that same evening, Alex was transferred out of the ICU, and his condition continued to improve rapidly. Today, Alex is gradually returning to his normal activities. His family, filled with gratitude, believes this miraculous recovery is a sign of God’s love and the efficacy of the Sacrament.
This event powerfully shows that even in our darkest moments, when fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, God is near. We are called, like Peter and the Israelites, to choose faith, trust in God’s providence, and recognize Christ as the source of true life and healing.
Today, many of us feel on edge as we navigate the contentious world of politics. Our nation is grappling with opposing ideologies that not only divide us but also challenge our moral values. Some of these political agendas are so extreme that they distort the truth and stand in direct contradiction to God’s teachings and even basic human reason. In such a climate, it is easy to feel confused and disheartened, unsure of which path to follow.
Just as Alex’s family leaned on their faith in a time of crisis, I encourage each of you to always choose God when faced with the dilemma of choosing between worldly ideologies and the way of Christ. His way is the path of life, truth, and love, and it is the only way that leads to true peace and fulfillment. Let your faith guide all your decisions, even when the road ahead seems uncertain or difficult.
In Christ’s peace,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham