Daily Readings - Thu Mar 24 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, obedience, and the spiritual battle we face daily. In the first reading from Jeremiah, the prophet laments the Israelites' refusal to listen to God's commandments, which leads to their downfall. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's will and following our own desires.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a scene where Jesus casts out a demon, leading some to accuse Him of using the power of Beelzebub. Jesus' response emphasizes the impossibility of a divided kingdom and asserts that His power comes from God, signaling the arrival of God's kingdom. This teaches us that our spiritual strength comes from aligning with God and rejecting evil.
These readings remind us to listen to God's voice and remain faithful. In our daily lives, we must choose between following God or our own desires. Let us seek to align our will with God's, recognizing that true strength comes from Him. Let us reject sin and remain with Christ, allowing His kingdom to guide us.