Daily Readings - Thu Mar 11 2021

Jeremiah

23But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.24But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.25Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:26Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.27Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.28But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Luke

14And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.18If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.19And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.23He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

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.