Daily Readings - Thu Mar 11 2021
Jeremiah
23But on this matter I did instruct them, saying: Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. And walk in the entire way that I have commanded you, so that it may be well with you24But they did not listen, nor did they incline their ear. Instead, they walked by their own will and in the depravity of their own wicked heart. And so, they went backward, and not forward25from the day when their fathers went forth from the land of Egypt, even to this day. And I have sent all my servants, the prophets, to you, throughout the day, rising at first light and sending them26But they have not listened to me, nor have they inclined their ear. Instead, they have stiffened their neck, and they have behaved worse than their fathers did27And so, you will speak to them all these words, but they will not listen to you. And you will call to them, but they will not respond to you28And you will say to them: This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of the Lord their God, nor accepted discipline. Faith has perished and been taken away from their mouth
Luke
14And he was casting out a demon, and the man was mute. But when he had cast out the demon, the mute man spoke, and so the crowds were amazed15But some of them said, "It is by Beelzebub, the leader of demons, that he casts out demons.16And others, testing him, required a sign from heaven of him17But when he perceived their thoughts, he said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself will become desolate, and house will fall upon house18So then, if Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebub that I cast out demons19But if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your own sons cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges20Moreover, if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then certainly the kingdom of God has overtaken you21When a strong armed man guards his entrance, the things that he possesses are at peace22But if a stronger one, overwhelming him, has defeated him, he will take away all his weapons, in which he trusted, and he will distribute his spoils23Whoever is not with me, is against me. And whoever does not gather with me, scatters
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our commitment to His will. The first reading from Jeremiah 7:23-28 expresses God's sorrow over the Israelites' disobedience. Despite His repeated calls through prophets, they turned away, following their own desires and suffering the consequences of lost faith. This passage reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and adhering to His covenant, lest we drift away from His grace.
The Gospel from Luke 11:14-23 shifts our focus to Jesus, who demonstrates His authority by healing a mute man possessed by a demon. While the crowd is amazed, some accuse Jesus of using demonic power, prompting Him to explain that a divided kingdom cannot stand. Jesus emphasizes that His works are by God's power, signaling the arrival of the kingdom of God. He uses the metaphor of a strong man overcome by a stronger one, illustrating His triumph over Satan. Jesus concludes with a clear message: neutrality in faith is impossible; we must choose to be with Him.
These readings, though from different times, share a common theme—commitment to God's will. Jeremiah warns against the consequences of turning away, while Luke presents Jesus as the victor over evil, urging us to align with His kingdom. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our faith. We must actively seek God's will through prayer and discernment, avoiding spiritual complacency. Let us recommit to following Jesus, trusting in His strength to overcome life's challenges, and remember that true faith requires dedication and action. May we embrace God's call with renewed vigor, ensuring we are always with Him, never against.