Daily Readings - Thu Mar 07 2024

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 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.