Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 11:14-23
Summary
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful (JL 2:12-13). Which do we offer Jesus: our back or our face? Whatever we offered in the past, Jesus offers to meet us face-to-face in love not fear.
Reflection
Whoever does not gather with me scatters (LK 11:23).
In our gospel portion today, Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed (LK 11:14).
There were three distinct responses.
- Amazement. The crowds were amazed (v14b).
- Spiteful Accusation. Accusation is to claim you did something illegal or wrong. By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons (v15).
- Testing him. Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven (v16).
Personal Reflection
How do we respond to Jesus?
The prophet Jeremiah gives so hints to the underlying causes.
- They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me (Jer 7:24).
- Yet they have not obeyed me nor paid heed; they have stiffened their necks and done worse than their fathers (Jer 7:26).
The skin of the back is very thick (3 to 4 millimeters thick). It can sustain much pressure to penetrate. The face (1.2 mm) and chest (0.5 to 2 mm), not so much. It is easy to penetrate the face of a person. Of course we are speaking of spiritual things. To turn one’s back to the Lord is to not wanting his word nor his person to penetrate you spirit.
Which do we offer Jesus: the back or the face?
Let’s face him with trust. Let’s face him with love. And let love and trust penetrate us.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry