“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.”