“DECIDE TODAY” (Jos 24:15) - One Bread, One Body, 10/09/2021

Saturday, October 9, 2021, St. Denis
St. John Leonardi

Joel 4:12-21
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
Luke 11:27-28
View Readings

"DECIDE TODAY" (Jos 24:15)
"Crowd upon crowd in the valley of decision; for near is the day of the Lord in the valley of decision." —Joel 4:14

In today’s first Mass reading, God invites the nations to gather in the valley of decision. He tells the nations, in effect: “Bring up your weapons of war; I want to see all your military might” (see Jl 4:9). The nations think they will be fighting; in reality, they are gathering to be judged.

In the valley of decision, the angels apply the sickle to the harvest at the end of time. There is to be a reckoning, a Judgment Day. Jesus is coming again. We don’t know the day or the hour (Mk 13:32). Therefore, we must be ready for His coming now. “Now is the acceptable time!” (2 Cor 6:2)

Joel is prophesying: “This is it!” The judgment in the valley of decision approaches. There is a real eternal damnation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1022). There is a real, eternal heaven and hell (Catechism, 1023, 1033).

Accordingly, what will you decide in the valley of decision? “Decide today” (Jos 24:15). “Why delay, then?” (Acts 22:16) We’ve heard the Word of God on this subject.  Choose Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25).

Prayer: Father, if I don't decide today for You, I may never decide for You in the future. Help me to accept the grace You are giving me this moment. I give my life to You today, tomorrow, and forever.

Promise: "Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it." —Lk 11:28

Praise: St. Denis was born in Italy but became the Bishop of Paris. He was martyred in France on Montmartre, the "mountain of martyrs."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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