Thursday of the
Third Week of Lent
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23)
Humans have a natural inclination to communicate with God
but often reject God’s message. Both
readings today witness this failure. Jeremiah
testifies that the people of Israel have ignored the words of the prophets
speaking on God’s behalf. In the gospel Jesus’
critics accuse him of being in league with the diabolical powers that he expels. Of course, Jesus points out their illogic.
The word of God is often demanding. It can call people away from their greatest
comforts. “How could something so wrong
feel so right?” an old country ballad asked obviously referring to an
adulterous affair. Yet God only intends
that people live up to their potential.
He wants them to be honest and truly loving.
As God’s people, we do not want to reject his
message. Nor do we want to block out
other people and sneer at creation. It
is important then that we consult wise people to set limits on our
actions. It is also helpful that we share
with God our needs and desires.
