THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2024
THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT B
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Luke 11:14-23
OBSTINACY TO THE ORDINANCES AND PRECEPTS OF GOD
Stubbornness and obstinacy are tendencies that can be found in man especially when he appears indifferent, uninterested and very casual with his salvation. It has ruined the life of many and kept many stranded and injured their souls.
In the first reading of today, the prophet Jeremiah speaks against the spirit and attitude of obstinacy and stubbornness. It shows itself in disobedience to the ordinances and precepts of God. It makes one feel uninterested and indifferent to the voice of God. It gives one false notion of freedom and makes the person never listening, never obeying, never heeding to the voice of God and voice of reason.
It ends up keeping one imprisoned in his or her circle of comfort and ignorance. And such persons never takes note of signs, words and actions that are compelling to the senses.
The repercussion is more deadly than even the act. Because it denies one of the good and the blessings of God.
In the gospel of today, Jesus warns us against the consequences of obstinacy and stubbornness. This form turns the glory of God to nothing and rubbishes the messianic mission of Christ. For Jesus casts out demons but instead of acknowledging the mighty works of Jesus, the people accused Jesus of using the power of devil to cast out devil. Such calumny and evil intention arise so that they may never acknowledge and admit the supremacy and powers of Jesus to heal, as messiah.
In this period of lent, we have been called to life of self examination. We are to take recourse into our lives and begin to discover our sinful inclination with the intentions of making amends and returning to our God and Father with prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving.
In this third week of lent, we would be asking ourselves how well we have gone in this venture. Have we actually been up and doing? Have we opened up ourselves to divine scrutiny and been firm, sincere and generous enough to have taken stock of our lives with the right intentions of making amends? Or are we still in denial of the obvious inclinations to sins and evil?
We must soften our hearts, face our lives and beat our body to be able to admit guilt, plead for grace and forgiveness of sins and grow in grace. Only by doing this can we gain the blessings of this season, the joy of the children of God and the progress that is intended for our salvation.
Heavenly Father, grant us a docile spirit, and an accommodating heart, to be able to accept our sinfulness, never in denial, never obstinate, never stubborn to the promptings of you love and grace. Bless us Lord with openness to your grace, desire for repentance and contrition for sins committed and willingness to admit and make amend through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
