Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday of week 19 in Ordinary Time
Saint Stephen of Hungary
First reading Joshua 24:14-29
In today’s reading, Joshua speaks with urgency, reminding the people that the God who brought them out of slavery is a jealous God—not in the sense of petty rivalry, but in His total and exclusive claim on their love and fidelity. As they stand on the threshold of the promised land, they face a new reality: freedom. Yet with freedom comes the temptation to forget, to turn to other gods, to let comfort and abundance dull their devotion. Joshua’s warning is as relevant to us as it was to Israel: when life becomes easier, we can subtly drift from the One who delivered us, giving our hearts to lesser loves. True freedom is not doing whatever we please, but living wholly for the God who has redeemed us. To choose Him daily is to safeguard our freedom, ensuring it remains rooted in truth, gratitude, and love. Let’s reflect: In times of comfort and freedom, do I remain steadfast in giving my whole heart to God, or do I allow other priorities to take His place?
Don Giorgio