Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent
Jeremiah 7: 23-28 Luke 11: 14-23
Theme: Obedience to the word
The prophet Jeremiah in today’s 1st reading presents the “report card” of the people of Israel to them. A report that shows how the people have refused to be obedient to the voice of God, and as a result, they had setbacks instead of progress. Their obedience to the word of God would have brought them the blessings and protection of God in a very special way. He will be their God and they will be his people. But because of their stubbornness of heart, they were inclined towards their own ways that was contrary to the word of God for them.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the assertion of the prophet Jeremiah in today’s 1st reading is for all of us. Are we obedient to the word of God that we preach and listen to at different times in our life? We are all encouraged today to make honest and sincere effort to be obedient to the word of God and put it into practice in our daily life; that way we will be declaring that we are the people of God. A declaration for God in word and deed will help to build a strong bond between us as children of God and with God. As children of God, let us resolve to do our best and make it happen in our personal life. We must not harden our hearts like the people of Israel, lest we face a similar situation to their experience; that brought them setbacks instead of success and victory.
Dearly beloved in Christ, in the gospel reading Jesus teaches us in a very special way to acknowledge what is always good, not minding through whom it manifests. Today the people want to fault the good deed of Jesus, and as a result, they are questioning the source of his power, not minding the fact that they know already. Dear friends in Christ, we are all encouraged to always guide against such attitude that will bring the wrought of God upon us. We must always remember that as children of God, we are people of the light, and this must always reflect in all our actions. May God bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.