Daily Readings - Thu Mar 24 2022
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
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.