Thursday of the
Third Week of Lent
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23)
Almost twenty-five years ago Pope St. John Paul II
proclaimed a “New Evangelization.” He
said that it would be directed not only to the nations where Jesus is unknown
and to Christians who have lost a living sense of their faith. It would also go out to those who practice
the faith! All people -- good and bad
alike -- need to hear God’s call to reform.
Taking His word into account, many who have thought of themselves as
good will have to make a new appraisal.
Both Scripture readings today focus on this last group.
In the first reading Jeremiah laments the reality of his
day. The people of Jerusalem are paying
lip service to God. They may go to the
temple, but they do not practice love of God and neighbor that the law tries to
instill. In the gospel Jesus shows
compassion when he enables a mute man to speak.
The people around him, however, refuse to acknowledge that Jesus’ power
comes from God. They say to the contrary
that he heals because he is in league with the devil. The passage ends with Jesus condemning those
who deny his goodness. “…whoever does not gather with me,’” he says, “’scatters.’”
During the season of Lent, especially, we are being
called to a true examination and conviction of self. We may not be the biggest sinners, most of us
at least, but we do gossip and curse others (while driving). We fail to see the sufferings others undergo
and often exaggerate our own challenges. There is plenty of room for
improvement which must be made if we are to experience eternal life.
