Daily Readings - Thu Mar 11 2021
Jeremiah
23but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.24But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.25From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets.26But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers.'27"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.28Therefore say to them, 'This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.
Luke
14Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.15But some of them said, "By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons."16Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.17Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.18If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub.19Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.20But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.21"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.23"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.
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.