Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Thursday, March 7, 2024
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23)
In preparing for war, nations often demonize their enemies. They strive to make enemies appear as less
than civil, often as diabolical by telling negative stories about their
characters. When the U.S. mobilized
against Iraq in 2003, Pictures were fabricated that made Saddam Hussein look
like Adolph Hitler. In World War I, the
German invaders were depicted first as killing the French and Belgian civilians
then as mutilating their women and children.
In the gospel some people literally demonize Jesus. They say that he casts out demons because he
is in league with the prince of demons.
It is an ironic response, for sure, after Jesus does one of their
neighbors a great service. But, no
doubt, these people are aware that accepting Jesus as one sent from God entails
heeding his message of repentance. And
that requires both humility and effort.
Perhaps many of us also are not ready to reform our
lives. After all, it will take concerted
effort to stop criticizing others, to speak sincerely with adversaries, and to
give generously to the needy. But we can
get beyond the stumbling blocks if we think about how much God loves us. He has given us life and called us to be His
children. He will provide for us in
death as well when we receive the full inheritance Jesus has won for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)