Every day, every moment, we face choices – some small, some monumental. But there is one decision that stands above all: to choose God, to live with Him at the center of our lives. This is the pivotal decision we see in today’s readings from the book of Joshua (Josh 24:1-2, 15-18) and the Gospel of John (John 6:60-69).

In our first reading, Joshua, having led the Hebrews across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, challenges them to decide whom they will serve – either the one true God or the pagan gods of their past. They chose to worship God, having witnessed His mighty deeds in delivering their parents from Egypt. They also saw the consequences of rebellion against God: their parents, though freed from slavery, never entered Canaan. Instead, it was their children who enjoyed the blessings of the Promised Land. They learned that obeying God and putting Him first brings blessings, while turning away from Him leads to desolation. They saw that putting God first brings freedom, while turning away from Him leads to bondage. They understood that putting God first helps us realize our potential, while turning from Him leaves us stagnant and stuck. They recognized that putting God first brings a better life, while rebelling against Him is self-destructive. This generation, having learned from their parents’ mistakes, declared their commitment to serve God.

In contrast, the Gospel today presents a different story. Many of Jesus’ followers turned away when He spoke about the Eucharist, a teaching we’ve been reflecting on throughout August. Hearing Jesus speak about His body and blood as nourishment was too much for them. Jesus reminded them that their ancestors ate bread in the desert and died, but the bread He offers brings eternal life. When many were contemplating leaving, Jesus invited them to reconsider, saying, “The spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)

To turn away from Jesus and returning to our former way of life means turning away from the One who commanded them to love one another to the old ways of retribution,  from life to death, from light to darkness, from freedom to slavery. Jesus asked, “Do you also want to leave?” 

But Peter understood and responded, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68).

Indeed, to whom else shall we go?

Perhaps many of you have recently turned away from pagan gods.  There are so many. Money, power, pride, or the insidious voices that tell you you’re not good enough or don’t deserve to get to heaven. These false gods don’t take rejection well and will keep trying to lure you back. But like the Israelites before Joshua, you know that following these false gods leads to slavery and death.

Your presence at Mass today shows that you as a disciple have come to believe and have learned, and are still learning, that Jesus’ words are Spirit and life. You have joined Peter in declaring, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Only in Jesus do we find the freedom we seek. Only with Jesus at the center of our lives do all the pieces fit together.

Following Jesus requires grappling with His difficult teachings and uncertainty about our place in God’s plan. Every day, every moment, we must decide to choose God, to put Him first in our lives, to be like the Israelites who chose to serve the Lord. Become like Peter and recognize Jesus as the truth, and  that only He has the words of eternal life.