Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent year A

Theme: The Voice of the Lord

In the 1st reading of today from the Book of the prophet Jeremiah, we see his lamentation, because the people have refused to listen to the voice of God. Interestingly, the Lord is saying that if they listen to his voice and walk in his way, he will be their God and they will be his people. There is an assurance and a blessing attached to the word of God in todays 1reading, if you walk in my way and keep my commands, it will be well with you. This assurance from God in todays 1st reading, is enough for us to make the right choice and allow God to be our God and we, his people. In all of this, the most important thing is the choice we decide to make in the end. It is not collective but rather personal. The price we will have to pay if we decide to reject the voice of God, just like the Israelites did of old, will be great and enormous. Let us resolve to make the right choice today and give God the chance to be our God and we, his people. Nobody who chooses to have God as his or her father will ever regret the choice, so why not make that wise decision today and allow God to take control of your life from henceforth.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking directly to you and me today, just the same way he spoke to the Israelites of old. Make the right decision to listen to the voice of God and work in his way today and it will be well with you; his promise in todays 1st reading will be fulfilled in your life.

In the gospel reading of today, educating the people, Jesus pointed out the fact that any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Thus, if we are for God and listen to his voice, then we will be gathering with him, but if we choose the opposite; then we are not for him like the Israelites the prophet Jeremiah was referring to in the 1st reading of today. We need to make honest effort and the right choices to always be on the side of God, because we cannot afford to be against him. However, the choice on whose side to belong completely rests on us as individuals; so be mindful of the choices you make in your daily life.

May the Lord give us the grace to always be on his side, by making the right choices in our daily lives, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

 

Homily for Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp