First Reading - Jeremiah 7:23-28
Gospel - Luke 11:14-23
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a strong message from God to the people of Israel. God reminds them of the covenant he established with them: “Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people.” This relationship was meant to be built on trust and obedience. Yet the people repeatedly refused to listen. Instead of walking in the ways God showed them, they followed their own stubborn hearts and turned away.
Jeremiah describes a sad pattern: God sent his servants, the prophets, again and again, but the people did not listen. Rather than becoming more faithful over time, they became even more resistant. Their problem was not a lack of guidance but a refusal to accept the truth that God was speaking to them.
The Gospel presents a similar situation. Jesus performs a powerful act by casting out a demon from a man who was mute. The miracle is clear evidence of God’s power at work. Yet instead of recognizing the hand of God, some people accuse Jesus of using the power of the prince of demons.
Jesus responds by pointing out the contradiction in their accusation. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If Satan were casting out Satan, his kingdom would collapse. Jesus then explains that if he casts out demons by the finger of God, it means that the Kingdom of God has already come among them.
Despite witnessing God’s work directly, many people still refused to believe. Their hearts were closed, and therefore they could not recognize the truth standing before them.
Jesus concludes with a challenging statement: whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Faith requires a decision. We cannot remain neutral when confronted with God’s presence.
Dear friends, God continues to speak to his people through his word, through the Church, through the events of our lives, and through the quiet movements of our conscience. Yet if we become stubborn, distracted, or self-centered, we may fail to listen.
Lent is a time for renewing our ability to listen. It invites us to silence the many voices that fill our lives and to open our hearts again to God’s voice. When we truly listen, we allow God to guide our steps, correct our mistakes, and lead us toward life.
If we respond with humility and openness, we will discover that God’s voice is not distant or harsh. It is the voice of a loving Father who continually calls his people back to himself.
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