Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Jeremiah 2:1-3.7-8.12-13; Matthew 13:10-17)
The biblical history of Israel is largely a story of human unfaithfulness
to a gracious God. In its beginning Adam
and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. After
God frees them from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites grumble against Him in the
desert. In today’s first reading
Jeremiah tells of Israel’s prophets betraying the Lord. Finally, Jesus continually castigates the
people for rejecting him as God’s messenger.
Israel’s flaw – and the flaw of all humanity -- is a corrupt
heart. Jeremiah will describe the human
heart, especially Israel’s, as “tortuous” and “beyond remedy” (17:9). it seeks pleasure for its owner, power over
others, and prestige among the people.
Somehow this heart must be healed.
Jesus comes into the story as a heart specialist. He removes
the rot of our hearts with miracles and exorcisms. He teaches our hearts the will of God as their
first priority. His preaching moves our
hearts to act on behalf of others. Finally, Jesus leaves behind the Sacraments
of Penance and Eucharist so that our hearts may be continually rejuvenated.
