Daily Readings - Thu Mar 07 2024
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 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.