Daily Readings - Thu Mar 07 2024
Jeremiah
23But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'24But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.25From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day.26Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers.27"So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you.28And you shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
Luke
14Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.15But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,"16while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven.17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.19And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;22but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.23Whoever 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.