My friends, the Lord give you peace. Starting with the powerful words of the prophet Jeremiah and culminating in the dramatic account from the Gospel of Luke, we will reflect on the profound messages conveyed through the themes of obedience, discernment, and the challenge of recognizing God's presence and authority in our lives.
In the first reading from Jeremiah, we hear the Lord speak with urgency and clarity: “Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people.” This covenantal promise encapsulates the relationship God desires with us—one based on attentiveness and fidelity. Yet, how often have we given an inadequate response to this benevolent and loving divine invitation! Jeremiah laments that the people have not listened; they have “turned their backs, not their faces” toward God. Their hearts have hardened, leading them to walk in the “stubbornness of their evil will.” Time and again, God has sent prophets to call them back, yet they remain indifferent, “stiffening their necks” against the very message meant to save them.
Reflecting on this text compels each of us to ask ourselves: How carefully do we listen to God’s voice in our daily lives? Are we forces
of unity or division? This is the essence of the call to fidelity that Jeremiah articulates—we are on a journey and God wants us to unite among ourselves and with him.
The Gospel of Luke amplifies these themes further. Jesus has just performed a miraculous act—casting out a demon from a mute man, rendering him able to speak. Instead of recognizing the presence of God’s power at work, the crowd is divided. Some attribute Jesus’ miracles to Beelzebul, the prince of demons, while others demand additional signs. How often do we, too, find ourselves blinded by prejudice or skepticism in the face of the extraordinary? Jesus confronts this folly head-on: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste.” He makes it clear that if He is indeed casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God is suddenly in their midst, but they refuse to listen.
Jesus stands not as an accomplice to evil, but as the “strong man” who overcomes darkness. Yet, the crowd’s insistence on seeking more signs reveals a deeper struggle—a reluctance to accept the authority of God manifest in their midst. We are reminded that amazement does not always lead to faith. The call is for us to move beyond wonder to trust and belief.
Today's readings urge us to evaluate how we perceive God’s action in our world. It challenges us to look beyond initial appearances and ask: How is God speaking to us today? Are we able to recognize His hand in the lives of those we encounter, whether they are saints or sinners? God can use any person or situation to convey His message, yet often we remain oblivious, failing to see His signs.
Let us take these reflections to heart. As we go forth, let us strive to cultivate a listening heart, attentive to God’s voice in the sacred Scriptures, in our prayer, and in one another. May we reject the distractions that lead us away from His commandments and instead embrace a path of fidelity and compassion—united in the mission of gathering all to Christ, in whom alone we find our true identity as the people of God.
Let us pray for the grace to listen, to respond, and to foster unity wherever we are, remembering that whoever is not with Him, scatters. May we walk boldly in the ways of the Lord, listening to, and obeying His voice, so that we may truly flourish in His presence as he so wishes we would. Amen.
Add comment
Comments
Fr. Another great Reflection. You make it so easy to
Understand and encourage us to follow. God Bless you