Daily Readings - Thu Mar 07 2024
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 narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our spiritual alignment. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays a nation that has turned away from God, refusing to listen and follow His commandments. This disobedience leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Jeremiah’s words are a stark reminder of the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of humility in our faith journey.
In the Gospel, Jesus confronts skepticism and opposition as He performs a miracle, casting out a demon. The crowd’s reaction reveals their spiritual blindness, as they attribute His power to evil forces rather than recognizing the work of God. Jesus’ response highlights the absurdity of division and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. He challenges us to discern the source of true power and to align ourselves with His will.
These readings call us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we like the Israelites, stubbornly resisting God’s voice? Or are we among those who fail to recognize God’s presence in our midst? Let us seek to listen more deeply to God’s voice, to humble ourselves, and to discern the signs of His kingdom at work around us. May we not be divided against Him, but rather, may we gather with Him, trusting in His power and grace to transform our lives.